Rock Fist Reviews

Review of Teabaggin’s 12.19.09 Performance: The Boston Teabaggin’ Party
~Kris Melton

Location of Show: Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Band’s Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL (Daytona)
Sample if you like: NOFX, Five Finger Death Punch, System of a Down, Bouncing Souls

Florida locals, Teabaggin’, are a raunchy, high-energy punk band that graced Vinyl’s stage for an event called The Boston Teabaggin’ Party. The event was put on by One City Productions, an organization that utilizes local bands to gain community awareness and involvement in issues that affect us all locally. While they are not necessarily politically driven, they encourage and challenge everyone to get educated on current issues, with the driving force of the evening focused on Fair Tax. The event occurred exactly 236 weeks after the real Boston Tea Party and included a guest speaker, Jim Duffie, in between bands to inform show-goers about Fair Tax, the current problems with our income tax code, and what people can do about it.

One City Productions went all out on the event hanging fishing net and tea bags above the stage and a projection screen with cartoons and visuals of The Boston Tea Party. Teabaggin’s front man, Chris Scott, participated enthusiastically by wearing a wig and costume reminiscent of what was worn in the late 1800’s. This amusing scene created an unusual and entertaining atmosphere to kick off the show. At some point Chris lost the wig and shirt to reveal face paint, a blond Mohawk, and an assortment of tattoos, never losing the look of wild elation.

Teabaggin’s energetic performance truly entices participation from their crowd, with an almost constant mosh pit, head banging, and chanting of lyrics. This quality truly sets them apart from their peers with a memorable performance that’s both rampant and amusing. Their music combines traditional punk with a metal edge for a heavy, raw sound. Vocals range from racing to squealing, always in synch with the raging drums, striking bass, and vigorous guitar. With lyrics fluctuating from humorous to political, they truly embrace their punk roots.

Songs that truly stood out in the evening include “Flop the Nuts”, “Happy Feelings”, Propaganda”, “Cold Dead Hands”, and “Fuckin Dick”. Probably their most marketable song is “Rotten” which has a catchy alternative influence, with a noticeable guitar and winning vocals. “Bad Words” has a great intro, with a melody that shifts into a heavier sound, showing the band’s diversity and demonstrating a fluid sound. The crowd enveloped the floor during this song, truly engaged in the show. For hardcore punk fans that aren’t sure if Teabaggin is a fit for them, check out “Torture”. Teabaggin’s proclaimed drinking song, “Fire in the Sky” was said, “to be about women who cause men to start drinking, and all the men who love them for it”, incorporating an Irish influence into their ballistic yet brilliant chaos.

Each member really brings their own part to the band and they collectively know as a group how to rock out a crowd. Their album “Fire In The Sky” is available for purchase now and has received rave reviews from critics. They are currently working on new material for their second album which is scheduled to be released in mid 2010. The guys have played with groups such as Whole Wheat Bread, The Bastard Suns, Teenage Rehab, and Agent Orange. Once the second album is released the band plans to tour and promote, including areas in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and New England. Their next show is in Orlando for a Battle of the Bands on January 23rd. For more information on purchasing their album, upcoming shows, and tour dates check their Myspace page www.myspace.com/teabagginsacmasters.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml   lml

Teabaggin’ is:
Lead Vocals- Chris Scott
Drums- Dustin Walters
Bass- Jonny Bates
Guitar/ Backing Vocals- Robb Dean

www.myspace.com/teabagginsacmasters
For more information on Fair Tax go to www.fairtax.org.

For more information on One City Productions go to www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/One-City-Productions/177752733040?ref=ts.

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Editor’s Blog: 12.11.2009~ When a Potential Review Goes Wrong
~Kris Melton

You may have heard the phrase “The Best TV Show You’re Not Watching” used to describe great shows that either haven’t received much attention or that viewers haven’t yet discovered. With that mentality in mind, I bring up Atlanta band Bury Me Breathing as “A Great Up and Coming Band You Haven’t Heard Yet”. This band blew me away the first time I saw them play at Winston’s in Marietta, GA; a venue that can not do this band full justice. Between the dual guitarists, whose fingers move at the speed of light and completely in-synch with one another, and the amazing drummer, this band is a must see on your to do list.

I had planned on reviewing their performance at The Masquerade on December 9th; however hear is my story as to why the review did not happen, and what happens when a potential review goes wrong.

As tends to happen, their set time was switched last minute from 9pm to 8:15pm putting the pressure on for me to hurry my ass along as quickly as possible to make it on time. I managed to leave the house, by some miracle, on time and would have made the show…. had a massive pile up on 400S not halted the interstate to a complete halt. My trusty companion however turned into my personal GPS, and we maneuvered our way on back roads to 85S. Although we knew we’d still be late, I raced in my little Eclipse faster than the law allows to catch as much of their set as I could. When I reached the venue however I discovered that my pass was given to the lights guy, who was working in the middle of the set. That meant no way was I getting in. Although seeing as how they only had 2 songs left of their set, I at this point wasn’t going to miss much. So after a Masquerade worker yelled insults through a loud horn as I turned around (can we say rude?), and me stepping in a wad of gum (thank you person for spitting it on the sidewalk, real considerate) I walked back to my car with a feeling of a defeat.

Some could end the story here, but some are no Kris, who seems to find an adventure at every turn. As my gum covered shoe stuck annoying to both my gas and brake pedals, making for an interesting ride, we decided that we didn’t come downtown to leave empty handed.

Our destination: R Thomas, a restaurant that my roommate insisted was going to blow my mind with their fabulous Portabella Mushroom Sandwich. Less than a mile away as we were listening to Project 9-6-1, my buddy Knox played one of my favorite Tool songs. I had to text to thank him, to which he invited us to come see him at the station. Why not right? We requested Pantera’s “Respect” (those who heard it you are welcome!) followed by me sharing my Gwinnett County story on air ( a story involving a high speed pursuit, a Latina woman punching her boyfriend in the face as he drove, and driving a 1950’s fire truck after almost being mauled by a dog… tis true folks, tis true). I have to say Knox is one cool guy and if you haven’t checked out his show, you should!

After chowing down at R. Thomas, we made our way home with one detour. Now most folks would think stopping at Shell to pump gas couldn’t possibly be interesting. Never underestimate me and my shenanigans. Yes I am blonde, and no this has never happened to me before, but there’s a first time for everything. I finished pumping gas and before I could remove the pump I was stopped by a chick for directions. After relaying the only 2 turns she needed to know about 50 times, I had completely forgotten to remove the pump from my car. Needless to say as I drove off I heard a very loud bang behind me. It was then that I realized what I had done. I quickly put the now completely broken pump, which was ripped out and ruined, back in place and quickly sped off out of both embarrassment and not wanting to be charged with… well ultimately stupidity.

I apologize for not being able to review Bury Me Breathing, but strongly urge everyone to check these guys out. The next show they schedule I will be there and I hope you will too. Should the forces of nature deter me yet again, rest assured I’ll have another typical Kris story to share with all of you.

COMING SOON:
-Review of Legend Has It’s “Driven” Album

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Photo by Shock & Awe

Review of Elevation’s “Razoreyes” Music Video featuring Kimberly Stewart
~ Kris Melton

Director: Chuck Moore
DP: Pete Wages
Label: 50 Records
Location: Atlanta, GA

Elevation has recently released their video for “Razoreyes”, a song with today’s popular electronic rock sound paired with the edgy, modish look of its members. The beginning has a dramatic tone, opening the video with the band appearing on a TV to actress, Kimberly Stewart. This leads into dark lighting with brightly colored lights highlighting the background, awkward camera angles and close-ups of the guys, and shots that go in and out of focus. This approach gives it a very MTV, modern rock feel. The video quality is professional, allowing the band to put their best foot forward, no apologies required. The way the director chose to use the lights is really what makes the video pop and avoid the lack luster of an almost bare room. The song itself goes back and forth from a playful rift to a more intense chorus, and the director definitely accentuated these changes in melody. The tortured actress wanders during the video and eventually axes the TV, a use of symbolism that coincides with the lyrics. Elevation has certainly proven itself with their video as well as their album “Strangelove” that they are making moves in the local music scene. They not only demand attention, but deserve it.

ROCK FIST REVIEWS would also like to congratulate Elevation on winning MTVU’s “The Freshman” video competition. The guys beat out four other artists and the video is now in on-air rotation.

Elevation’s debut record “Strangelove” is available for purchase now at iTunes and Best Buy.

Links:
www.myspace.com/elevation
www.youtube.com/elevationband
www.facebook.com/home.php#/elevationband?ref=ts
http://50entertainment.com