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Writer's Note: Another article that was lost when I stopped writing for a particular site.
The Last Call of Contraband
It’s hard to say good bye to an old friend. And, what friendship is
stronger than the one between music and the fans bonded to it? Few,
for sure. When a band breaks up, we head for our iPods and boom boxes,
playing the songs over in our heads, grasping our tissues and
wondering what we could have done differently. Rather then sulk over
the end of a great local band, we all reminisced on the good times on
Saturday night for Contraband’s final show. The band is splitting up
after its years of performing in Tucson. Yet they chose to go out with
a joyful yell, fueled by whiskey and friends. Far more pleasant than
the next morning’s hangover, the songs and energy of Contraband will
pound in our heads long after they are gone.
When we arrived at the house party, after a long, cigarette-filled
cruise down the far reaches of Valencia, the desert cul de sac was
already near capacity. Friends and fans of the band came together, on
the porch and out in front of the garage, sharing beers and greeting
newcomers. It wasn’t long before Contraband vocalist, Tim Hunker,
passed his birthday bottle of Fireball Whiskey to each of us, urging
us to take a celebratory shot. That first hospitable gesture would set
the pace for the entire evening. As the crowd began to gather out in
front of the stage in the garage, a nostalgic wave of the good ol’
times and parties of the past washed over us all.
The first band to take the stage was a local four-piece band, Fenom.
The group, relatively new, proved they would have a voice, or shall I
say, growl, in Tucson’s metal scene. Influenced heavily by genre
staples like, Pantera and Slayer, they play pretty traditional thrash
metal. Vocalist, Gavin Illmad, was well equipped with his snarled
lyrics and epic locks which could only have been crafted to head bang
by a benevolent metal God. After chatting with Gavin throughout the
evening, I am still warmed to see the sweet man underneath the
screams.
I was pulled back by a watchful friend as pumped up party goers began
to mosh harder, per the bands request. The relentless drumming of
Professor X and the fast guitar work by Chuck Taylor and David Chuco
kept the tempo of their set in constant acceleration.
With a party of this caliber, the night would not have been complete
without a visit from local law enforcement. Shredding inevitably lured
those blue and red lights into the neighborhood, and our illusion of
an old fashioned high school desert party was completed. I don’t know
if our shouts: “If you’re under 21, ditch the drink,” and “fuck the
police,” contributed to the resolution but the party continued on with
closed garage doors and no further interruptions.
The whole mood of the stage was altered when For or Against began
their set. As the sweat now dripped down our enthused faces, we found
ourselves transported to a more intimate garage venue. The Tucson band
was offering up their take on classic underground punk and it’s an
inviting version of the genre. Hard enough to play alongside the
gruffest of rockers, yet catchy enough to get the crammed crowd
moving, the band deserves to be heard.
Maury Morales, also the drummer for Contraband, shines as For or
Against’s front man, presenting a certain likeable je ne sais quoi
capable of leading the band and crowd throughout the night. Alongside
cousin and guitarist, Steve Ellingsworth, the two are the band’s
remaining founding members. The newest addition to the group is
drummer Chris Hack. Beating his drums, with the strength he has gained
from wrestling competitions, he proves to be complimentary to the
other member’s talent. Bassist Keith joined up with the group just a
few months prior to Chris, bringing with him the energy of his
hardcore band, Knuckle Junction.
All night, I had pondered what band was going to take on the
responsibility and gift of playing “Happy Birthday,” to Contraband’s
singer. The votes were all yays when Tim walked into For or Against’s
set. By a jury of fans, it was decided who would do the honors and
honor him, they did.
The conversations, between sets, flowed like the quickly lowering
levels of beer from the keg. My attentions were so focused on the
clanking of party cups with new friends that I didn’t see Maid Misery
start their set. The whole garage rumbled with the force of the music
inside as I tried to budge the door, weighed down by the large crowd
within. The local metal band had the party at its most primal with
their fast assault style of hardcore music. Positioned safely in the
back, I felt their maniac energy as if it were, unapologetically right
in front of my face. Maid Misery is comprised of David Lucero
(vocals), Caleb Evens, (guitar) Erik Gomez, (guitar/ backup vocals)
Levi Grenier (drums), and Dillon Sharp (bass). For two years the group
had ripped their quick moving guitar strings across Tucson’s ears with
an energy that could bust ear drums and windows.
I had a feeling that the only thing preventing rock and roll induced
destruction of property that night was an overall respect for the
music and our hosts. We could have brought the house down but everyone
was just too damn nice for that.
As Contraband set up inside the garage, now humid with our sweat and
the condensation dripping off our beer cans, the moment we had been
waiting for, approached. The whole party, to be fair, was the moment I
had been waiting for all week. The long work days and responsibilities
were left behind us. And we found a good spot to watch the show.
Contraband gave us that musician-to-fan interaction with the fun
loving energy that has come to be expected of them.
Quickly after they began their take on metal and alternative rock,
vocalist Tim Hunker went out into the crowd, searching for extra sips
of booze in light of the current alcohol shortage. Alongside vocalist
Mike Hamilton, the two utilized the whole space, joining us in the
fray and turning the microphone outwards to us. I’m pretty sure I was
blushing the whole time Mike and I sang Sublime’s “Santeria,” to each
other but as I am a professional… Let’s call that “off the record.”
Blushing is for sissies and the set was anything but.
Slowing down would have been an unacceptable move as well, made clear
by Maury Morales, drumming in his tornado of a 2nd wind after his
previous set with For or Against. The beers brought half way through,
were probably necessary just to cool Jaime Gryszkin down after his
talented guitar work. As I sang along with the guys, to another
beloved cover, I smiled to bassist Kyle Benson, wondering if he was
going to groove out in Russia. Though Kyle is moving out of the
country to teach English I can only assume he will throw a little
school of rock into the curriculum.
Contraband did teach us something valuable in their time performing
for us and welcoming us into their lives with glasses extended.
Talent can come together to create a new and interesting variation of
a genre. A good song and a powerful energy can create the most
intimate relationships of our lives. I have to humbly thank Contraband
for the experience they crafted with their music and inviting us to
share it with them. Though, this night was a bittersweet evening, we
all left with some special moment that would ring in our ears forever.
It might have been that shared story of shows past with a stranger
over drinks or singing one last tune with a favorite band. I know we
took that show and carried it home with us. Friend and photographer Kirstin Carnage got a song dedicated to her and she credits Contraband for her start in concert photography.
The thing about those parties that represent those best times of our
lives is that the memory lasts far longer than the beer. Though
Contraband’s show days are over their music will stand up in Tucson’s
underground music scene like the photographs taken that night We’ve
got to hold onto these nights and songs as tightly as we held our last
drinks that night. Thank you to all the bands who helped us celebrate
and thank you to Contraband for all the good times.
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Writer's Note: This is an article I wrote about a local band I love. These guys are total sweethearts and put on a really fun show. For various reasons, the article was not published. I attempted to get it onto another site but that also fell through. So, I will share it with you all now since I'm starting this blog back up.
Love is a big word. Only fittingly are there so many
ways to express and interrupt what that word really means. In some cases, love
is about as punk rock as it can get. We all felt the love rippling through fast
guitars, hardcore drum rolls, classic bass lines, and emotive rock vocals
blaring Friday, August 31st at The Hut. Local punk band For or
Against wear their hearts on their tattooed sleeves and always engage the crowd
as friends. Wrapping us up in their catchy, driving songs like a hug between
bar comrades, they proved themselves to be one of those guaranteed good show
bands.
For or Against is really a band for friends, for the
people who influence their music. And it was clear as I spotted each member
greeting family and fellow musicians before their set, that their friendship
spans wide over Tucson. Often pausing to thank us all for joining them, the
feeling of appreciation and enthusiasm was shared on all ends.
Originally started in the mid-nineties by vocalist Maury Morales and guitarist Steve
Mayatz, the band’s staying power is impressive.
With the addition of the talented, musicians who complete the
current lineup, the band is amping up the volume and inviting old pals and new
fans to step up to the stage. Though
most of us cheering up front with cameras and drinks balanced in our arms were
there because we were already fans of their music, I suspect they have gained a
considerable following through their impressive resume of additional projects.
Their polished take on classic punk and hardcore draws on experience gained by
other musical endeavors such as: Brute
Squad, Knuckle Junction, Ps9, and Contraband.
The entire night
kicked off with a burst of catchy energy in their sound check, playing a song
they would encore later in the set. The influences of punk at its very core are
easily picked out by the conisor of the heavier things in life but they are far
from weighed down by the weight of their rock offerings. Vocalist Maury Morales
has clearly earned his chops with his pristine delivery and humbleness. All the
songs were dedicated to the people. To the friends close to our hearts and to
the ones who had to go too soon. Equal parts talent and winning personality,
Maury is an enjoyably likeable front man.
The guitar work is in perfect accord with Maury’s
vocal contributions and it’s no surprise that both guitarists have worked with
the lead man before. Steve Mayatz is one
of the original members of FOA and is literally family to Maury. Cousins by
blood and shared musical vision. The
newest addition to the band, Jamie
Gryszkin, has also played beside him in the recently disbanded,
Contraband. Their effortless ability to
play off of each other is proof that something almost mystical happens to
musicians who have worked together for an extended amount of time. They can
read each other’s thoughts; at least that’s what it looks like from where I’m
standing.
Banging on the drums
with a level of ferocity and expertise is another of FOA’s newest additions,
Christopher Hack. Rounded out by the classic bass lines of Keith Mutton, each
member proves to be a crucial part of the whole punk rock pie. What is so
refreshing and engaging about their shows are the obvious friendships forming
on stage and off. As they laughed together, all of us in the crowd answered
with jubilant yells of new bonds made.
Surrounded by For or Against’s family, friends and band mates, I was in
the best company that could have been had on 4th Avenue that night.
The band is currently
working on a slew of new tunes and has hopes to record an ep or album in the
not so distant future. In the meantime, fans of their music can look forward to
a lot of shows in the next couple months including this Saturday at Runaway Bar
and Grill and at the Nest Skate Park on October 5th. If you love
them as much as I do and just want the whole world to know it, rockin t-shirts
and merch are on the way.
For or Against earn a
shiny seal of approval and recommendation with their take on the punk of
yesterday, today, and the future. Armed with loud instruments and love in their
hearts the band is poised to dominate Tucson’s punk scene. More importantly
they have created an environment with their music that breeds fun lovin
memories and conversations with strangers, connected by the power of rock and
roll. Keep your eyes on For or Against
and prepare yourself. After you hear their music, their catchy hooks will be
stuck in your head all night long.
Check out For or Against at:
http://www.facebook.com/ForOrAgainst
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Alright. So, I know that this might look like I am..how shall we say...half-assing. I haven't done much of anything on this tumbleweed abundant blog. Well, I have decided to stop wasting space here and indulge my need to explore and ramble about music. So lets call this a test post. I'm playing around with the layout a bit and thinking about features so i'm in building mode. Here's an unsubstantial but hopefully fun little post to kinda re-claim Beatbox Saguaro and do something with it.
Image found: http://forum.funkysouls.com/dump/f57t8662n40.html
Everyday Shufflin'-10 songs, 1 shuffle button
"Backyards"-Broken Social Scene
"Go it Alone"-Beck
"Divorce song"-Liz Phair
"Interzone"-Joy Divison
"C.R.E.A.M."-Wu Tang Clan
"The Fool"-Neutral Milk Hotel
"Brick is Red"- Pixies
"We Will Fall"-The Stooges
"Brain Collage"-General Elektriks
"Fields Are Breathing"-Black Moth Super Rainbow
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The Brawlers have been a staple in Tucson's music scene since 1999, earning a loyal fan base and five Tamies
along the way. Keeping their success in mind, their greatest
accomplishment is a toss up between their new album and their inspiring
humbleness in my eyes. Each band member takes their own life experiences
and creates a song so genuine that we feel like we were right there
with them. The quartet, made up of vocalist Marty Muerto,
guitarist Justin Valdez, Eric Eulogy on bass, and drummer Joel Dunst,
have gone into some emotional territory for our great benefit.
When an artist creates a record exemplifying their respective genre,
you have a classic album. When that artist boldly steps over that genre
to deliver a unique sound, you have an album that will stand the test of
time. The Last Call Brawlers have crossed many lines in the sand with
their diverse new album, The Pressures of Living, The Darkness of Dying.
The forthcoming effort of a beloved Tucson band is a solid
punk-rockabilly album. It's their ability to draw from a wide pool of
influences that make it a success.
The Brawlers have been a staple in Tucson's music scene since 1999, earning a loyal fan base and five Tamies
along the way. Keeping their success in mind, their greatest
accomplishment is a toss up between their new album and their inspiring
humbleness in my eyes. Each band member takes their own life experiences
and creates a song so genuine that we feel like we were right there
with them. The quartet, made up of vocalist Marty Muerto,
guitarist Justin Valdez, Eric Eulogy on bass, and drummer Joel Dunst,
have gone into some emotional territory for our great benefit.
“That’s what the Last Call Brawlers are- the humbleness of it all.
Personally, I know each of us is the best at what we do. I'm just hoping
everyone else knows what I know. We have a saying, that we are a band
by the people, for the people,” says Justin. Joel adds, “We put
ourselves into these songs. I just want someone to take something from
it. Maybe think about their life and how they can change.”
The band's deep desire to share the human experience is evident in the
album's ten tracks. No life lesson goes uncovered. Through punk, folk,
surf, rockabilly, metal, and Tucson sound we get to think about
break-ups, death, loving memory, and life- for all its up and down's.
Marty explains it as, “its just an outlet. Its a way for us to channel
our energy, whether its positive or negative. Chanel it in a positive
way and if people like it, that’s an added bonus.”
Joel adds, “Its a good way to get out there. Look at some of our songs. They are about break 
ups, death, dying, its a way to carry on. Life. That's one of my biggest influences.”
ups, death, dying, its a way to carry on. Life. That's one of my biggest influences.”
The Pressures of Living was created in a process true to the openness and spontaneity of everyday life. “If you're gonna
do something, do quality. One day, Marty showed up with lyrics and we
wrote music. Joel had lyrics for a song. I wrote one song. We all
definitely put in our two cents. The way the songs turned out are
ninety-nine percent how we wanted them,” Justin told me. “There were
times we didn’t rehearse. We just sat in the living room with acoustic
guitar and lyrics. That works. That doesn’t work, change it here, change
it there,” Joel said of their rehearsals. Speaking on the vocals, Marty
adds, “Its very easy for me and Eric. Our voices kinda
mesh well together. Sometimes I’ll listen and say who was that Eric or
me? We have distinct voices and when we start to harmonize, a lot of
that comes really natural.”
Though each track has something relevant and unique, “1/20” and “Six
String Rhyme” stood out. “1/20” was said to be one of the most difficult
songs to complete. After reworking it in the studio multiple times,
they created the most intimate song on the album. Justin learned
mandolin for this song, written by Joel about the passing of his
brother. “Six String Rhyme,” the catchy track about the power of tunes
over violence, contains the lyric that became the title of the album.
The Brawlers have been away from the stage for nearly a year while they
poured their hearts into their milestone album. So, if you are one of
the Last Call Brawler's many anxiously awaiting fans, be sure to arrive
early to the release party, this Saturday night at the Surly Wench.
“When we play a show its every four or six months and its well
promoted. There's a reason for it. We bring a lot of bands that are up
and coming and we are gonna give them a shot. Diversity. Each band at this show is not like the other bands,” Justin says of their special guests, The Besmirchers and The Misson Creeps.
There are certain bands that come into our lives that speak to our
personal existence. The Last Call Brawlers created a pocket album in
“The Pressures of Living, the Darkness of Dying.” Carry it close to you
and flip through the tracks until you inevitably find that song that
speaks to the place you're in. Whether it is that foreboding car ride to
work or a toast with our loved ones, The Last Call Brawlers have a song
just for the occasion.
The album will be available through Itunes, Toxic Ranch, 17th st Market, and Zia Record's after May 5th.
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The EP, released May 1st,
follows their successful 2011 album, Postcards from Paradise. Robot’s
greatest quality is the ability to translate the story of our own
existence through a variety of musical genres. With ever changing tempos
and the use of an eclectic mix of instruments, such as horns, violin,
cello, and a standup bass , the band proves their musical abilities have
many levels.
“Rapture” is our first stop in The Supervillains vision of the afterlife. Starting with a piano, we wave goodbye to the life we once had and, with a ferocious metal, punk infused turn, we find ourselves happiest. “Now that I’m dead and gone I’m happiest cause you don’t hold the power over me.” The move into “Hell” is fast and rising from the minute we arrive, ranging from quick ska to another heavy growl, ending with the sound of waves on a creaking ship. “Limbo” a stand out track for me, sounds like what I imagine pirates would sing out into the seas as they steered towards their own merry patch of hell.
When that ship crashes on the shores of “Purgatory,” it splinters into really danceable ska before it all completely breaks into sharp power chords and vocals. The discordant screams and rumbles of Purgatory all kind of fall away when we enter, “Space,” a step closer to the other side. “Space” is made up of a chorus of horns and seems a breakthrough in the journey that the band has created in Robots. No time is wasted in the final destination, “Heaven,” a spirited track that really relays the band's full spectrum of genres.
Robots is the SuperVillains album for the well-rounded music fan. Each one of the six tracks has a little something for everyone, whether it is piano, ska, or metal harmonies, all of which heard throughout the album's entirety. I don't know what the afterlife has in store for me, but I do know that if they play Robots on the way, I would feel like my life had properly been honored. It would sure distract me from the uncertainties of the afterlife.
The Supervillains will be stopping in at The Hut, Thursday May 10th as part of their Rah Rah Robots Tour. Tickets are available for $10 advanced and $12 at the door. They will be joined by Élan, Neiphi, Funky Bonz, Sean Donnelly, and CCS Crew , with Dj Knoccout spinning on the outside stage.
I'm a sucker for a well done conceptual album. A certain level of
musicianship is necessary to delve into a source material and create
something personal on many different levels. The Supervillains have led us to Hell's gates with their ska/punk
interpretation of “Dante’s Divine Comedy.” Their six song EP, Robots,
is what the afterlife would sound like if you had a hell hound gnawing
on thick guitar strings as you gripped your last drink for dear life.
Well, that is if your dear life wasn't still back in some other level,
swaying under heavy guitar and growls, with beams of a cello beckoning
you into the light.
The EP, released May 1st,
follows their successful 2011 album, Postcards from Paradise. Robot’s
greatest quality is the ability to translate the story of our own
existence through a variety of musical genres. With ever changing tempos
and the use of an eclectic mix of instruments, such as horns, violin,
cello, and a standup bass , the band proves their musical abilities have
many levels.“Rapture” is our first stop in The Supervillains vision of the afterlife. Starting with a piano, we wave goodbye to the life we once had and, with a ferocious metal, punk infused turn, we find ourselves happiest. “Now that I’m dead and gone I’m happiest cause you don’t hold the power over me.” The move into “Hell” is fast and rising from the minute we arrive, ranging from quick ska to another heavy growl, ending with the sound of waves on a creaking ship. “Limbo” a stand out track for me, sounds like what I imagine pirates would sing out into the seas as they steered towards their own merry patch of hell.
When that ship crashes on the shores of “Purgatory,” it splinters into really danceable ska before it all completely breaks into sharp power chords and vocals. The discordant screams and rumbles of Purgatory all kind of fall away when we enter, “Space,” a step closer to the other side. “Space” is made up of a chorus of horns and seems a breakthrough in the journey that the band has created in Robots. No time is wasted in the final destination, “Heaven,” a spirited track that really relays the band's full spectrum of genres.
Robots is the SuperVillains album for the well-rounded music fan. Each one of the six tracks has a little something for everyone, whether it is piano, ska, or metal harmonies, all of which heard throughout the album's entirety. I don't know what the afterlife has in store for me, but I do know that if they play Robots on the way, I would feel like my life had properly been honored. It would sure distract me from the uncertainties of the afterlife.
The Supervillains will be stopping in at The Hut, Thursday May 10th as part of their Rah Rah Robots Tour. Tickets are available for $10 advanced and $12 at the door. They will be joined by Élan, Neiphi, Funky Bonz, Sean Donnelly, and CCS Crew , with Dj Knoccout spinning on the outside stage.
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Kicking
off the show with their dark, horror spiked, surf rock was local three
piece, The Mission Creeps. The band could easily be called one thing or
another, be it psychobilly or garage rock, but it simply would be insult to the diversity of their music. Made up of James Arrr,
vocalist and guitar, Miss Frankie Stein on bass, and Joseph "Crowley"
Elias on the drums, they put on a powerful live show full of various
influences. Match their, punk, rockabilly, bluesy, surfy, psychedelic sound with their goth presence and you have a forerunner in Tucson's live music scene.
All Photos by: Emily Sarten
I had the great privilege to interview the Last Call Brawlers and get
an early listen of their monumental new album, The Pressures of Living,
The Darkness of the Dying. They gave me far more then their time and a
bloody Mary at Bison Witches. They allowed me to fall in love with their
music and in return be loved back. The Last Call Brawlers certainly
played to a packed bar of friends and devoted fans Saturday May 5th at the Surly Wench. It was clear in the talented guest bands, The Mission Creeps and The Besmirchers,
plus the cheering crowd, that their new album deserved a proper
celebration. With the splashes of beer flying out of our swaying glasses
like confetti, we all did our part to ensure The Pressures of Living
had one Hell of a birthday.
Kicking
off the show with their dark, horror spiked, surf rock was local three
piece, The Mission Creeps. The band could easily be called one thing or
another, be it psychobilly or garage rock, but it simply would be insult to the diversity of their music. Made up of James Arrr,
vocalist and guitar, Miss Frankie Stein on bass, and Joseph "Crowley"
Elias on the drums, they put on a powerful live show full of various
influences. Match their, punk, rockabilly, bluesy, surfy, psychedelic sound with their goth presence and you have a forerunner in Tucson's live music scene.
Diversity, as promised to me by the LCB, was the theme of our party. Reverberating off of The Mission Creeps surf guitar we landed, face first in The Besmirchers
punk chaos. One of the most visual, aggressive sounds to come out of
Tucson, the band had me gasping with excitement each time singer, Lenny
Mental, banged his microphone into his forehead. Seemingly blessed with a
G.G. Allen sensibility, Lenny didn't waver in his charged performance,
spitting out his punk truths every time his head slammed into the stage.
Band mates, guitarist Superstar Penis Demilo, bassist Skrew, and drummer PBR
Destroyer matched their infamous front man with their in your face
assault on their instruments and the crowd. The band is one of those
splash zone shows and unless you got a poncho or a strong will you
better step back before "One More Slut" or "Pussy 
and Smack," bloody up your top.
and Smack," bloody up your top.
When the Last Call Brawlers took the stage it was one of those show
experiences you remember long after your weekend is through. Each new
song fell on receptive and long awaiting ears and there was an
unbreakable momentum pushing the audience closer and closer to the
talent on stage. Always making sure to thank those who made the album
possible, The LCB
reveled their diverse new tracks. Blending shining examples of punk and
rockabilly with folk, surf, blues and Tucson rock and roll, the band has
cemented their place as a Tucson staple. Vocalist Marty Muerto,
enthusiastically sang of the power of music against violence in, “Six
String Rhythm,” the track containing the title of the album. Eric Eulberg
was literally on bass, standing atop the large instrument while singing
back up vocals. In what is my favorite song off the album, “1/20”,
Justin Valdez trades in his guitar for mandolin in this beautiful track
about loss. The song was the first drummer Joel Dunst has written and
the sincerity of it all was inspiring.
The Pressures of Living, The Darkness of Dying, is an essential album
for, not only us desert dwellers, but also music lovers of all variety
of climates. All at once, it serves as a definitive punk-rockabilly
album and a diverse take on the highs and lows of everyday life. Aided
by the talents of special guests, The Mission Creeps and The Besmirchers,
I can only hope that we the audience gave the Last Call Brawlers the
kind of celebration they deserved. Whether you made it out to the album
release show or not, make sure to support this band and get yourself a
copy of their stellar album. It is available at Itunes, Zia Records, Toxic Ranch and 17th St. Market.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Last Call Brawlers for
letting me play a part in this. Tucson is lucky to have you.
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Hailing
from Maryland,reggae/rock band, Ballyhoo, headlined the show as part of
their tour to promote their most current release, Daydreams. The multi
dimensional album translates well onto the stage with a welcomed sound
of the nearing summer. Influenced, though not limited to, by
alternative, ska, and punk staples such as Green Day, Incubus, Sublime, 311, and the Foo
Fighters, the guys successfully showed their ability to flow from one
sound to the next with an enthusiastic gulp of free booze. Their music
fills multiple niches, switching from party tracks to heartfelt calls to
face one's challenges.
Singer and guitarist, Howi
Spangler proved not only his versatile musical ability but also an
admirable humbleness, often thanking the crowd for making it out and
checking on our good vibes. Scott Vandrey AKA DJ Blaze brought what really makes this band stand out, masterfully djing,
playing the keyboard, percussion instruments and singing back up. The
bass line, crafted by J.R. Gregory and the powerful beat of drummer
Donald Spangler completed their laid back island sound. “We started in
the summer of 1995. Donald and I are brothers and we wanted to be in a
band since we were 7 or 8 years old. We all picked up some instruments.
We knew Jr and Scott from school. And then we went through puberty. We all just kinda hooked up and played some music. We started playing shows and then here we are today in Arizona,” Howie shares.
The
band has an impressive amount of tours already lined up for the rest of
the year, including Vans Warped Tour, the 311 Caribbean Cruise, and
Bamboozle. “Its pretty awesome. Were gonna play with the Foo Fighters. Foo fighters, that's why we started this band. That whole show, Foo
Fighters is what its all about.” These guys are working like the
energizer bunny, going and going even after all the lengthy touring,
with plans to write new material after Warped Tour. The polished efforts
of Daydreams clearly promotes what Ballyhoo wants from the world. “Stop
fucking around. Be fucking good to each other. Fucking smile and listen
to more Ballyhoo." Take their good advice, listen to their music, and
get yourself to one of their many upcoming performances.
The talent was not limited to the highly entertaining Ballyhoo that night. Veterns of Tucson, Funky Bonz, also brought their vision of funk and regae to the stage. Under the dimly glowing heat lamps, I chatted with creative vocalist, Brent Kort. Funky Bonz
has been playing since 1992 and has cultivated a strong following here
in Tucson. "Tucson's scene is good. If your with the whole Calexico crew you are set here. We all help each other out." Brent has been making music an impressive 20 plus years and still foundly reminises on the show that drove him to live performance. "Fishbone.
It was these guys, all in suits, playing with keyboards. My mouth
dropped." Brent's laid back mantra, "Don't take yourself too seriously,"
holds up in their punk laced grooves, that call on you to your bob your
head along with the saxaphone.
Local band, Heart Attack Shack, also took the stage with a short set of, what their facebook accuratly refers to as, "Finger Lickin' Funk Flavored Flame Broiled Blues, Baby.” The band has recently done a recording with local ,Xenocide
Records, and are beginning to write songs with an “old dirty blues,”
sound. Bassist Daniel, explains, “I've been playing in different bands
for 15 years. I was in a metal band then me and nick started jammin
and came up with the idea for this style of music. We just kept it
going. We kept on writing true life music, true life stuff that’s
happening in our life. That’s what our lyrics are all about.” Heavily
influenced by the hair rock of the past, citing his long hair, Daniel
also loves the “ funky funkiness.” Newest member of 6 months, drummer
Cody, also feels the funkiness powering him onward. “I get down with
everything too but the funk saved my soul. It makes me feel good.” Nick,
Daniel, Greg and Cody want to get more Tucsonans out to shows and dancing. “Dance. That’s what hypes us up.”
Don't fight the funk baby. From Ballyhoo's reggae rock, to the funk of local bands, The Jits, Funky Bonz, and Heart Attack Shack, I could not deny that driving need to dance.
Photos by: Sami Gardner
I’m no stranger to that phenomenon of music where the songs coming off
of the stage perfectly echo the feelings you are experiencing. A song, a
nod from an appreciative musician, or that glance over to the girl
across the room, grooving as hard as you are, all freezes that moment in
time. The energy from the talented bands that played Tuesday night at
The Hut was my companion long after the final song. A few beers deep,
with some of my Bscenelive partners in crime, I felt the funk's presence deep in my swaying hips.
Hailing
from Maryland,reggae/rock band, Ballyhoo, headlined the show as part of
their tour to promote their most current release, Daydreams. The multi
dimensional album translates well onto the stage with a welcomed sound
of the nearing summer. Influenced, though not limited to, by
alternative, ska, and punk staples such as Green Day, Incubus, Sublime, 311, and the Foo
Fighters, the guys successfully showed their ability to flow from one
sound to the next with an enthusiastic gulp of free booze. Their music
fills multiple niches, switching from party tracks to heartfelt calls to
face one's challenges.Singer and guitarist, Howi
Spangler proved not only his versatile musical ability but also an
admirable humbleness, often thanking the crowd for making it out and
checking on our good vibes. Scott Vandrey AKA DJ Blaze brought what really makes this band stand out, masterfully djing,
playing the keyboard, percussion instruments and singing back up. The
bass line, crafted by J.R. Gregory and the powerful beat of drummer
Donald Spangler completed their laid back island sound. “We started in
the summer of 1995. Donald and I are brothers and we wanted to be in a
band since we were 7 or 8 years old. We all picked up some instruments.
We knew Jr and Scott from school. And then we went through puberty. We all just kinda hooked up and played some music. We started playing shows and then here we are today in Arizona,” Howie shares. The
band has an impressive amount of tours already lined up for the rest of
the year, including Vans Warped Tour, the 311 Caribbean Cruise, and
Bamboozle. “Its pretty awesome. Were gonna play with the Foo Fighters. Foo fighters, that's why we started this band. That whole show, Foo
Fighters is what its all about.” These guys are working like the
energizer bunny, going and going even after all the lengthy touring,
with plans to write new material after Warped Tour. The polished efforts
of Daydreams clearly promotes what Ballyhoo wants from the world. “Stop
fucking around. Be fucking good to each other. Fucking smile and listen
to more Ballyhoo." Take their good advice, listen to their music, and
get yourself to one of their many upcoming performances.The talent was not limited to the highly entertaining Ballyhoo that night. Veterns of Tucson, Funky Bonz, also brought their vision of funk and regae to the stage. Under the dimly glowing heat lamps, I chatted with creative vocalist, Brent Kort. Funky Bonz
has been playing since 1992 and has cultivated a strong following here
in Tucson. "Tucson's scene is good. If your with the whole Calexico crew you are set here. We all help each other out." Brent has been making music an impressive 20 plus years and still foundly reminises on the show that drove him to live performance. "Fishbone.
It was these guys, all in suits, playing with keyboards. My mouth
dropped." Brent's laid back mantra, "Don't take yourself too seriously,"
holds up in their punk laced grooves, that call on you to your bob your
head along with the saxaphone.Local band, Heart Attack Shack, also took the stage with a short set of, what their facebook accuratly refers to as, "Finger Lickin' Funk Flavored Flame Broiled Blues, Baby.” The band has recently done a recording with local ,Xenocide
Records, and are beginning to write songs with an “old dirty blues,”
sound. Bassist Daniel, explains, “I've been playing in different bands
for 15 years. I was in a metal band then me and nick started jammin
and came up with the idea for this style of music. We just kept it
going. We kept on writing true life music, true life stuff that’s
happening in our life. That’s what our lyrics are all about.” Heavily
influenced by the hair rock of the past, citing his long hair, Daniel
also loves the “ funky funkiness.” Newest member of 6 months, drummer
Cody, also feels the funkiness powering him onward. “I get down with
everything too but the funk saved my soul. It makes me feel good.” Nick,
Daniel, Greg and Cody want to get more Tucsonans out to shows and dancing. “Dance. That’s what hypes us up.”Don't fight the funk baby. From Ballyhoo's reggae rock, to the funk of local bands, The Jits, Funky Bonz, and Heart Attack Shack, I could not deny that driving need to dance.
Photos by: Sami Gardner