About Last Night: Volume Bomb CD Release @ The Tonic

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Last Night the Tonic was bursting with some of the greatest punk bands in Portland, all thanks to Keith Littlefield of Volume Bomb Records. Celebrating the release of Volume Bombs' Portland punk compilation Blown Fuses Bloody Ears, the night was jammed pack with great performances from six outstanding local acts.

Opening the night was the wonderful nerd core of Thundering Asteroids. Always a pleasure to watch the band got the night off right even though initially facing a few technical difficulties. Min and the boys were energetically fun and persevered through the adversities like punk rock champs. This was my wife's first opportunity to see the band and as I anticipated, she loved them.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Next up was the bombasticly dynamic Dartgun and the Vingnette. Being the first time to catch this band I was blown away. Their unique mix of  soul sister vocals and brit-fluence punk came off as one of the freshest things I've heard in years. Controlling the stage like a power crazed dictator Chuck Thrust boldly captured the audience and led us to the the brink of fanaticism. All the while tempered with the beautiful vocal melodies of the Vingnettes. I recall being drawn to their tracks on the compilation but now having witnessed the glory that is this band's live performance I am a true believer.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

A hard act to follow, the Anxieties did good, continuing the energy with their excitable next wave punk. Like Tom Cruve on coke this band played with a powerfully anxious vibe; sounding like a hybrid mix of the Ramons and the Damned. Fun and lively the set was a pleasure to witness and like Dartgun and the Vingette's I look forward to seeing them play again soon.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Now, as for the The Thornes I can't tell you for certain  whether they're metal or punk, but hardcore is exactly what they are. With a two guitar attack and a rhythm section that feels like a prison beating this band drives their sound with the power of a fully loaded semi-truck. I was standing in front or the speaker and the amount of air coming off of them felt like a high power fan. Top that off with the wildly unpredictable stage antics of Justin Thorne and you have a live act I won't ever forget. Even it you're not a fan of their style of music I would tell you that catching this band live is a must.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Even as the night drew long the good music kept coming in the form of  42 Ford Prefect. Roughly aggressive the speed punk of this band has the power to send your body into spastic convolutions of punk joy. While the guttural vocals had a deeply primal nature to them. Most important though was the fact that this night won't have been possible if not for the work of 42 Ford Prefect's drummer Jesse and guitars Keith who's tireless efforts made Blown Fuses Bloody Ears a reality.

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Topping off the night was the whiskey growl of Stumblebum. Raw and rough as gravel this band is all you'd ever want in a punk rock outlaw. Playing as abrasively as they sound this band was aggressively bold on stage working the crowd into a frenzy. A perfect closer, this band carried the night to a strong finish making this an awesome celebration of an amazing compilation.


    

From the Shelf: Blown Fuses Bloody Ears (2013)

Blown Fuses Bloody Ears
Volume Bomb Records

Like the greatest punk rock mix tape you were ever given, Blown Fuses Bloody Ears is the best punk compilation I've heard in years, if not ever. Showcasing the diverse pallet of Portland's independent punk scene this CD has songs from some of the greatest bands currently playing our local scene.

Laid out so that each song leads perfectly into the next; from Sumblebum's opening country tinged "Love Song In Reverse" to the closing gothic metal of The Thornes' "Wolfpack", this CD is masterfully built. The resulting album has an emotional presence that rises and falls in a naturally organic manner proving each song a space of its own to be appreciated long enough before wowing you with the next.

You're going to want to play this CD over and over, just save your self the hassle and by two copies now because your going to burn the first one out eventually. Yeah you're going to have your favorite tracks like the Thorntown Tallboys' "Whiskey(Black Eyes)" or The Anxieties' "Obsolete Man"but this comp is so good it's going to change almost every time you listen to it.

Now you you say your not a punk person, well I'd argue Blown Fuses Bloody Ears is so good if you have even the slightest hint of the primal human instinct in you that you'll be able to find something.  If your not willing to give it a try then the punk streak in me would say: "Why don't you sulk back to your snooty nuvo-jazz club and stop breathing my air."   

The Triple Crown: 07/29 - 08/11

Thursday, August 1st
Summer Cannibals(Record Release)
Grandparents / XDS
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $5 / Day Of: $5
21 & Over

In my opinion one of the best new bands in Portland the Summer Cannibals will be celebrating the release of their debut album No Makeup, at Mississippi Studios this Thursday evening. Their grungy fuzz rock is raw and boldly rhythmic.  Fronted by the sultry voice of Jessica Boudreaux the cannibals have a sound that melds  DIY punk with garage rock a-go-go. Like an L7 for a new generation this band is taking all the right strides to stardom. If the album is any sign, this band has a lot of awesome music to share with the world, but you're going to have to get your own copy at the show to find out.
Also on the bill is the uniquely different psychedelic styling of Portland based bands the Grandparents and XDS. It's sure to be a great show so come on out and make sure you pick up a copy of the new album.  

Saturday, August 3rd
Blown Fuses Bloody Ears Comp. Release Party
Stumblebum / 42 Ford Prefect / The Thornes / The Anxieties / Dartgun and the Vignettes/ Thundering Asteroids
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy
Show: 8PM
Cover: $6
21 & Over

The Portland punk event of the summer, if not the year, this show at the Tonic is not to be missed by lovers of the local music scene. Celebrating the release of Blown Fuses Bloody Ears, an amazing new compilation on the local Volume Bomb Records label. This show has a line up of some of the best punk bands our town has to offer. From the nerd core of the Thundering Asteroids! to the speed frenzy of 42 Ford Prefect, there is sure to be something for everyone. With six bands for six bucks this show is easy on the wallet and there's no better bang for your buck this weekend.So make your way down to the Tonic and be sure to tuck a little extra money in your shoe to pick up a copy of this great compilation at the end of the night.     

Wednesday, August 7th
Bobby Bare Jr.
Mike Coykendall / Gabriel Mintz
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

The son of country music royalty and the pupil of Shel Silverstein, Bobby Bare Jr. has all the makings of a songwriting prophet. Awkwardly honest and painfully heartbreaking at times he is a survivor of drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll.  Blessed with a touch of the whimsical, the songs of Bare Jr are snapshots of the world in all of it's laughable chaos. Live, their are few equals. Able to tap an energy that boarders on madness you will never forget your first Bobby Bare Jr. show and ever after, will crave any chance to see him again. Topping off the show will be the Neil Young-styled rock of Gabriel Mintz and the concrete-folk of Mike Coykendall.
Still a great price at $12 bucks this show is certainly a must do, so  make a night of it with dinner at one of Mississippi's great eateries and stay for one of the best shows you'll ever see.