STATE

ATTENTION SPAN

DEATH IN CUSTODY

EVERYTHING IS RUNIED

The cage 3/20/2010

It’s always tough to do two shows in a row at the same place with the same people. I was kind of worried about this one. I think the STATE is one of the most underrated bands in the country. I feel they put on a great show, but still never seem to really catch on. Grand Rapids I think is just not rough enough for a band like STATE. They are one of those bands that are 100% punk they have been living it for over 30 years, and they believe in it. Each time the STATE plays GR I have this dream that 150 kids will show up and lose their minds to this classic MI band. It never happens but every time I have a fucking blast. These guys are lifers and so am I, and that’s why I love them so much. Do your self a favor and buy a STATE record read the lyrics and find out what 30 plus years of punk will do to your fucking mind. Ok on with the review EVERYTHING IS RUNIED played first and I love this band total catchy pop punk from Chicago. They played a tight set and went over very well I thought. Next was ATTENTION SPAN these guys have become a GR classic. When you look back on this time you will think of this band. Total punk punk punk. The best part about this band is they never just play the old songs they keep playing new songs and it’s awesome. But really guys come out with something so I can buy it! STATE played next and like I said before they can’t be beat. This band makes me go crazy. They ended with NO ILLSIONS/SUBVERT/GIRL VOILENCE/EASY VICTUM and STATE CONTROL holy shit people that was the punkest moment of my life. DEATH IN CUSTODY was up next. The kids loved it … mean beat up the guy next to you HC. The songs where tight and they had some energy well really the singer had the energy.  The crowd was a little macho, and the band was kind of playing that side of it, but all in all it was a good set. Until I wrote this review I thought this entire show was a little macho and it was, and a little violent at times. I have to admit and moments during this show I felt this emotion of danger and it felt great. Like things around me where becoming unhinged in some way I could not stop it. Punk is not safe punk is out of control. In Boston back about 10 years ago the shows had guys dominating the shows with violent slam dancing and the women got tossed to the side pinned up against the wall. So the ladies decided to start something like a gang that would stand up front and demand respect in their hardcore scene, and they did for years the shows had some many women in bands/dancing and setting up shows. Punk and hardcore is fast aggressive pissed off music you cant change that, but if you love it then fight for it its your scene also so push up to the front demand your respect, and take control!

POSITIVE NOISE

SHATTERED BADGE

CLOUD RAT

XTRA VOMIT

The cage 3/19/2010

Ok so it’s hard to write about this show because I am in two of the bands, but I have to say this was one of the best shows I have been to in some time. Four bands all who play over the top fast HC punk. The show started at 7:30 and ended at 8:40 it was awesome. SHATTERED BADGE played first with a brand new line up. Brandon from XTRA VOMIT is on drums and Ben the old drummer is singing. Ben has sung in bands before so this was not his first, but it’s been awhile. I have to say he really nailed it with some high energy and thought out well-written lyrics. This new line up has given new birth to this older GR band cant wait for more shows so please book us. Next was POSITIVE NOISE it was our release show a split record with XTRA VOMIT. I am very proud of this record, and I felt we played a good solid show Casey was at least in tune. EXTRA VOMIT came out next and they raged harder then ever before. This band is a total powerhouse. I remember when Sock gave me a demo when it was he and a drum machine and I listened to all the time I loved it. Then he got Brandon and holy shit it’s fucking great. CLOUD RAT from Mt Pleasant was up next. This band is every body’s new jam. They just came out of nowhere playing intense hardcore grind to perfection. I cant wait to see what this band does next they are truly awesome. Once again another great GR show. I see more and more support for local bands each show it’s awesome.

the show last night (3/10/10) in grand rapids was a goodn'.

positive noise played first and were the punkest. Ryan said some really great things about working, that i totally agree with. that was nice to hear! casey loring is a crazy bassist, i dont understand how he can go that nuts and still maintain the coordination to play... put that on you melon!

the second band, im not a fan of. first of all, i don't remember their name, and second, the singer hit me out of some jock hardcore "caught up in the moment" rage. i didnt react, and looking back, i really wish i would have said something. why is it almost every time i want to accept an asshole hardcore band and enjoy them, they go out of their way to make me really hate them as people? or at least one person? why?

IRON RAIN!!! this is exactly my type of hardcore/punk. favorite actually! the drummer played so fucking hard non stop through out their performance!!! they all had amazing energy!!!! the bassist looked exactly like casey loring in his mustache prime, and travis dodge and i are pretty sure casey doesnt actually play hockey, he really just uses that as a cover to play as his second identity in the chicago hardcore band Iron Rain. seriously... think about it.

the third band was from out of town, (enter band name here), and the singer had some gnarly tattoos that i was really jealous of. they killed it as well. definitely not as loud as iron rain, but totally rocked! lots of energy and just a good vibe!

Damages played last. they are my favorite band in this area, thats what i have decided. they are too good really. i seriously enjoy watching them play. they are all talented and really make some great music together! seriously!

thanks to everyone who cared about me getting punched, apparently alot of people saw it happen. a good amount of them came up and talked to me, which was awesome and very thoughtful. im not really sure how to react in that situation, but i hope for it to never happen again. i dont really think anyone enjoys getting punched, and it's definitely not a good way to acquire a fan base. haha. on the plus side, because of that situation, i got to meet some nice new people, and reconnect with people i havent talked to in a long time! + + +

im going to try and borrow a nice camera for the last ever rssd show tomorrow night (3/12/10) so i can take pretty pictures of all the pretty people. we will see if that can be possible!!!

peace.

--phill

RELIGIOUS SS DISORDER

SKELETON PARTY

COOKIE

DYLAN ETINGER

VICTORY

NUCLEAR FAMILY

THE DAAC 3/12/2010

   I think the greatest thing in life is when you can feel drunk without even drinking or doing anything at all to make your self feel that it just comes natural. This past Friday march 12^th  felt that way at one of the best shows I have ever seen in Grand Rapids. The setting was perfect the feeling in the DAAC was something I have never felt at this space before. Really for me the setting being the DAAC made the show. The reason being is that the DAAC has only one reason to go to it and that is the art or the bands that’s it. No party no keg nothing just people/art and music. The show started of with the local band VICTORY. They played a raging set of noise that lasted about 5 minutes maybe. I truly love Sam the singer who is doing what he does for nobody but him it’s a truly wonderful thing to see and watch. Next up was a band I have always wanted to see live. This was the band NUCLEAR FAMILY from Albany NY. They played a tight set of toe tapping punk. I picked up the 7” which is a great purchase for any of you reading this. Next was the local band COOKIE. It was great to see this band play in front of a good crowd of people. They play total 90’s grunge with killer female vocals. Nobody in the band is very good at playing music but together they make magic its that simple. Next was a band that I really can’t recall the name of. They jumped on the show last minute. They did play a great set of noisy dance music that to my surprise went over very well at a punk show. Also the guy in the band was a pretty rad person. Up next was his tour partner DYLAN ETINGER. This guy played more of the same but a little catchier I thought. Also again it was great to see something different at your average punk show because these guys made it not your average punk show. Next was SKELETON PARTY wow what a fucking band. These guys are going down in GR history. They played the best set I have ever seen them play. Every note was perfect and every chord was hit. Look out GR this band is about to take it by storm. The final act of the night was RELIGIOUS SS DISORDER. This was the final show. I had no idea how great this band was to me until last night. I played a set with them that I will never forget for the rest of my life. We had a run of 4 years and it was magic. Claire the singer is maybe one of all time favorite singers to play with. The words she sings go through you like nails. She never pulled any punches and she always went in for the kill. I hope that I get another chance to be in a band with her again in my life. As for as the rest of the band they are some the best people playing music today, and you will see them all go on to to do great things in the world of music. This morning I was walking home from a friends house and boom it hit me fuck its over it’s really over. I loved this band more then I thought I did. I am so happy we left behind what I believe is one of my favorite records I ever did the split 12” between SKELETON PARTY and RELIGIOUS SS DISORDER. I will miss this band but all great things come to an end and this was a great time to end it all. Now go out start a band and do it for you fuck people and people liking you it’s about you not them. This show was a classic and I look forward to all the great pics Phil and Steph took for us to enjoy, and hey Phil its great to see you back around you rule!

COOKIE

KITTEN FOREVER

MC?

3/13/2010

The PVC house

Last night was yet another awesome show in GR. How does this keep happening so many cool bands coming and so many great shows. I did feel this one could have been better attended but what can you do. All I know is that the people who did not make it missed out on a great show to say the least. It started of with COOKIE who played a great set even better then the night before. This band is just pure magic to me these two people just know how to play together, and its great. Next was something I was not expecting. These 2 guys whom where on tour with KITTEN FOREVER played a set of killer hip hop. The best part of this they did it in a hardcore punk fashion. Beats blasting out of some shitty pa two guys just flipping out and just jumping of each others words. It was so fucking raw and in your face I was blown away. They took a small shitty basement and turned it into a concert hall with the stage presence they had. I am no expert on hip hop, but I have seen a lot of shitty hip hop that needed the right sound and the right lighting because they sucked. This shit was fucking killer and I cant recall the name it was MC something go figure hahahaha. Next was KITTEN FOREVER who played a set that will always be in my mind it was fucking great to say the least. It was the perfect length with so much energy. These girls kill it when they play and you can tell they love it. If you missed out you really missed out, and judging by the turnout… a lot of you missed out. That’s the best part about small basements it takes so little fill them and make them fun. Thanks for yet another great show.

FEB. 15^TH 2010

THE GREAT REVERSALS

DAMAGES

DIREWOLF

ENDS

  Grand Rapids hardcore is on the rise and it’s about time. This is another ripper of a show at the new space THE CAGE. I was late to this because Trent who runs this space is taking no shit from late people so the shows will start on time. I missed the band ENDS I was told they played a good set and have people from the local band LA DISPUTE.  I came in right towards the end of the GREAT REVERSALS set. Not only did I walk into a killer set but also about 70 kids watching them. I thought I took a wrong turn on the highway and left GR for a minute. Each time this band plays they get better and more and more intense. This band is 100% hardcore. They are working on a 3 song 7” e.p. so keep your eyes open for that. They will also be playing MICHIGAN MELTDOWN on June 18^th in GR at the DAAC cant wait for that one. Next was DIRE WOLF from Ann Arbor. This band also just keeps ripping it up fast and better each time. They play basic HC with a touch of punk and a strong INFEST vibe.  Maybe the best set yet from them that I have seen. Up next was DAMAGES the local greats. This band is awesome. I cant say enough about this band they rule, and this show was more of them same from them AWESOME! I heard they have a 7” coming out on a Florida label so I hope that’s true because I cant wait. Shows like this rule, and the excitement happening in west MI these days is awesome. I hope this lasts and I hope kids stay this stoked. We have some the best bands happening right now so keep your eyes open, and get ready for more ripping HC punk shows like this one.

MODERN CONVENIENCE

COOKIES

JAN 30TH THE PVC HOUSE  

In the future I am looking to maybe move to a city that will be larger and have a larger of an alternative type scene. When this time comes I wonder if I will still attend shows like the one I did last night. Shows you just go to because its something to do and your hungry for something so you seek it out and take a risk. Or will I just get sucked up into the world of punk and hardcore once again. Well either way last night I seen the local band COOKIE play an awesome set of 90’s style grung/punk. This band is 2-piece band that plays with all they got. The drummer was just killing the drums and the guitar player/singer was ripping the guitar apart. This is the kind of band that just shows they only care about one thing and that’s playing. They don’t care where or how just so they can play that’s it. This was like a breath of fresh air that’s for sure. They even topped this set of with a SONIC YOUTH cover it was great. Up next came MODERN CONVENIENCE from Memphis TN. This band plays basic to the point punk rock. Each song bounced along in your brain I had no idea who this band was but they had a bunch of songs that will remain in my head until I do get the record. Another band that just plays to play that’s it and that’s all. I love bands like this and I love seeing shows like this. This took place in a small dirty basement in Grand Rapids, but these bands played like it was a stadium in LA. Love the passion love the punk more shows like this please. This will teach to always keep your ears to the ground for awesome killer happenings in your local area. You have no idea what you will find.

POSITIVE NOISE

THE GREAT REVERSALS

DAMAGES

BURDENS

THE CAGE Mt Vernon Grand rapids

Jan. 11^th 2010

  So hardcore is back in GR! Well… at least it was for this night. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen in GR. Each band ripped the energy was so high, and it felt like a hardcore show. POSITIVE NOISE started the night with a 10 minute set of ripping HC punk. You could just feel the energy from the start it was awesome for sure. Next was the touring band BURDENS… fuck they ripped it up with some heavy fucking hardcore. Great dudes and a great band. I love when you meet a band that is just filled with great people and don’t have to pretend to like them because they rip. I hope I get to play more shows with this band because they rule. Next was the new Michigan band THE GREAT REVERSALS coming from the ashes of PROPHET OF THE DAWN… this band is the new big thing in Michigan. Fuck they played a tight ripping set. I had chills while they played it ruled so hard. Plenty of mosh was had by some, and this band makes you realize why you do this. Next was DAMAGES who played another ripping set of pissed HC punk. This was also the ep release for them and believe me this shit fucking rips. It was recorded by the great Kevin Kitchel. DAMAGES will be the band to put GR HC back on the map if they stick together. I heard the guitar player has cancer and I really hope he pulls through. This show made me want to just play fast and listen to tons of HC punk. These are the kinds of shows we will remember forever. Hardcore rules in GR lets keep it moving forward. This was also at the new space THE CAGE great job Trent the space rules. More shows like this please!

AGENT ORANGE

THE REAL BITTERS

THE AMOEBAS

Billys lounge Grand Rapids

Jan 13^th 2010

  Ok so bar shows fucking suck. That’s the bottom line. Why play in a bar… what’s the point? So a couple pals and I decided we would venture off to this wonderful show. When I first heard about this show I contacted the dude in charge and asked him if he would be into doing it at a real venue. He sadly declined. So said I would put together a flyer since a bar has no idea how to make a flyer at all. So I did and I got on the guest list and went off to the show. So we got a seat in the back and got some good local beers that had a nice price tag on them. So when we sat down we ended up next to a table filled with “once I was a punk” kind of people. You know the drill MISFITS on the speakers bouncing in their seats thinking about old times and how the new kids are lame. These dudes fucking sucked. Fat stupid and no business even talking about punk or hardcore. So I ended up finding a Galaga machine in the back of the bar so I played a game that lasted over an hour so I only heard the first band THE REAL BITTERS. They sounded great, but really in a bar you have no reason to watch the band. All you will see is some fucking moron standing in front holding a beer high in the air pumping his fist. They did sound great one of the best times I have heard them. Next was THE AMEOBAS local young band. I had no idea why they played after THE BITTERS since they are a new band but whatever. They also are the local party band and just did not come off well in a bar. The songs sounded great, but just had no energy at all, but what can you do. They have a new bass player, and they sound much better with him. Next up was the mighty AGENT ORANGE. Well they sounded and looked great. They did not sound or look dated at all. But again the energy was not any place to be found at all. Just old fucking punks out for one night only. All I can really say is I hope I read some drunk driving accidents from last night and some of these old fuckers are put in the grave once and for all. I have to say I am an older punk, but the bottom line I am still punk. I don’t go out once a year and pump my fist to FEAR songs on some shitty jukebox at some dive bar. Grow up and get out we are the new kids get out of our way!