Rock Fist Reviews

by Austin King

Location of Show: The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA

Sample if you like: Devil Wears Prada, Jamie’s Elsewhere, Dance Gavin Dance

A Day to Remember, hailing from Ocala, Florida, are known as much for their powerpunk choruses as they are their earth-shattering breakdowns. As always, these boys never fail to live up to the hype. They even managed to sell out tickets for a two night experience at the Masquerade in Atlanta. ADTR brought with them equally brutal supporting acts Enter Shikari, Silverstein, and August Burns Red. As a regular concert goer and reporter, I can easily say that this line up shook the house down, as well as the surrounding five blocks of the city.

The first act to hit the stage was The UK’s own Enter Shikari. This band threw out all the misconceptions that the opening act is just for warm ups. The second their signature bumping synthesizer started up, no one in the sold-out crowd was standing still. The electronics coupled with heavy screams created a rave just short of ecstasy rolling and glow sticks flying. I was impressed with the stage presence that Enter Shikari put on with some of their hits “No Sssweat” and “Juggernauts”. After this showing at their first concert in Atlanta, I will put money that this will certainly not be their last at the Masquerade.

The next group to come out was Silverstein coming from our neighbors to the North. Because of the fact that this band has been around the block and released four studio albums and two EP’s, many in the crowd did not think that these guys could play all of the fan favorites. Again, the fans were proved wrong when Silverstein opened up with their latest single “Vices” from their album A Shipwreck in the Sand. Of course Silverstein had to play a few oldies for the fans that have stuck around since this bands inception in 2000, and songs like “Bleeds No More” and “Hear Me Out” not only quenched the fans’ thirsts, but these tunes also got the people who weren’t familiar to tear up the mosh pit. After seeing this band countless times, it is a given that Silverstein will always be welcome in Atlanta.

Here at the halfway point of the night is when things got fun. The crowd was loosened up and ready to throw down, and what better band for this than metalcore legends August Burns Red? ABR, who was here recently at the 7Venue in Douglasville, bring such amazing riffs, bass drops, and screams that it is almost expected. Jake Luhrs’ has such a dynamic range of growls and yells that would put any two-bit screamers in their place. In the same way, songs like “Marianas Trench” and “Composure” put any two-bit mosh warriors in their place. This all culminated in their final song of the set, “American Dream”. The frenzy in the crowd not only included the moshpit, but also crowdsurfers galore. If you were standing still before this band, your legs and arms got a hefty work out moving to the music.

By the time the intricate LED light show was set up, the entire venue was in a fever pitch chanting “ADTR ADTR!” relentlessly. This was what everyone was waiting for. The headliners A Day To Remember rolled out on stage to open with the crowd pleaser “Downfall of Us All”. Because of this band’s genre-transcending fanbase, they made sure to not only play their two hardest hits – “Mr. Highway is Thinking About the End” and “A Shot in the Dark”- but also more poppy tunes like “Have Faith in Me”. A Day to Remember even played songs off of their first record, aptly named Old Record, such as “Casablanca Sucked Anyways” and “You Should’ve Killed Me When You Had the Chance”. As far as the encore goes, many fans were shocked when vocalist Jeremy pulled out an acoustic guitar to sing the acoustic ballad “If It Means A Lot To You”, but then stepped it up to play their most well known song, “Plot to Bomb the Panhandle”. As a long time friend and fan of A Day To Remember, I have certainly never seen these guys at the top their game like this, and they are only getting started. No glass ceilings for this hardcore group.

With the start of the “Toursick 2010″ tour kicking off here in Atlanta, Georgia, it was no surprise that a cross section of every hardcore fan would come out of the woodworks to support these bands. I have seen many quality shows at The Masquerade, but this show definitely tops my list of best concerts at any venue.

Special Thanks to Silverstein, A Day To Remember and everyone at Victory Records

Myspace:  ADTR – http://www.myspace.com/adaytoremember

Popularity: 41%

LIVE Photos from AM Conspiracy’s 1.16.10 Show at Planet X

Pictures from AM Conspiracy’s performance taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe (click on the picture to enlarge it).

Popularity: 42%

Interview with AM Conspiracy 1.16.10
~Kris Melton
Photography by Susie Ceruto of Shock & Awe Productions

I had the pleasure of interviewing all the guys in AM Conspiracy at Rock Fest held at Planet X in Marietta, GA courtesy of Local Productions. With all the madness occurring inside the venue/ arcade and the yucky weather outside, which was both cold and wet, I was grateful the band invited me on their RV for some good conversation and a staple of all musicians, pizza. Lead singer, Jason Jones, is probably best known as the singer of Drowning Pool after Dave Williams’ death, but he has found a new love with AM Conspiracy and is excited for the unknown road ahead of them. This entertainingly funny band of Floridians shared never-to-be released personal videos, their collection of tattoos (Jason brings his equipment on the road!), and their upcoming plans as seasoned musicians in a band that’s just getting started. Most of the interview is below. The rest was either off limits, too crude, or indecipherable due to immense laughter.

So you guys literally just released your self-titled debut album in the past week is that right?

Jason: It was actually this past Tuesday (1/12). It was a wonderful day for us.

Dean: It’s very exciting to have a record out.

Jason: After 5 years of beating that shit to death, it’s finally done. It’s out.

So you’ve been a band for 5 years?

Kenny: Yes, that is correct. Kenny says with a smile.

So now that the album is released, what plans do you have for 2010?

Jason: Our overall plan is world domination. That’s what we’re here for. I’ll be doing that tomorrow, you can come back around here and I’ll be sitting here doing that same shit. Nah, we’re actually going to tour as much as is humanly possible until everybody’s ole ladies tell them to f* off because they’re never home. That’s what we’re trying to do here.

Dean: Except for keep our ole ladies.

So you have definite tour plans for the year, or are they still in the works?

Jason: We’re on tour right now, so it’s kind of definite, but this tour is only about 2 weeks and then we go back home. Hopefully we’ll only be home for a couple weeks and then we’ll be back out. That’d be damn skippy.

Do you have plans to make a music video?

Jason: I think we’re supposed to make a video for “Pictures”. We’re basically just waiting on the label to give us the go ahead and hopefully it’ll be a good time.

Speaking of labels, you decided to sign with a brand new independent label, Burnhill Union Records. How did that come to be?

Jason: Well for one thing Shaun Glass formerly of Soil who is now in Dirge Within is one of my really, really good friends. And knowing that he’s behind it, that he’s going to push everything he can into the band and the label’s the same way- we are their “flagship” band.

Dean: Second that motion.

Jason: So it just seemed like a better idea for us cause we don’t want to get lost in the shuffle and have a record that’s somewhere that nobody’s hearing. So we knew they’d get it out pretty quick.

Rob: It does suck when it sits in a vault somewhere. No one ever hears it or sees it.

Jason: Rob was in a band called Still Naïve and that happened to them.

Rob: We were on Maverick.

Going back to “Pictures”, the song was mixed by Randy Staub who has done work with bands such as Metallica. How did he get introduced to your album?

Dean: He really wanted to do it.

Jason: In my previous band he did our whole record, and the placement of the instruments and everything was just really good, especially considering what he had to work with.

Kenny: We’re supposed to be positive. We will no longer be sarcastic.

Jason: Strike through that, he just did a really good job. So when it came time to mix this record I wanted him to do at least one song cause that’s pretty much all we could afford. He’s extremely expensive, but it sounds f*n great. We actually got pushed back from when he was supposed to start mixing it, it was pretty funny cause they call us up and go, “Yeah, he’s running a little behind, he’s doing the new Alice N Chains record”. So I’m like, I can’t bitch about that.

So I’m sure most people know you (Jason) used to be the singer for Drowning Pool. Do you feel people are expecting something from you that’s similar to Drowning Pool or that this new band will let you run in whatever direction you want?

Jason: That is why I am in this band because it is completely opposite from anything having to do with that period in my life. I’m much happier now and it’s a good time. They’re happier, I’m happier, everybody’s one big happy f*n family. Hooray!

I always like to ask this question, especially since Rock Fist namely focuses on local artists. Do you have any advice for other up and coming musicians?

Jason: Get a really good lawyer. Or definitely get a lawyer, and make sure they’re pretty decent. Get a lawyer.

Drew: Make sure you can play your instrument.

Dean: Just do your work. You gotta put your nose to the grind everyday. You can’t slack. You gotta be out there and play to 5 people or play to 500 people. We did it just the other day and now we’re here playing in front of…

Jason: 3 or 4 people

Dean: 10 people hopefully tonight as opposed to the 5 that we did 2 nights ago.

Jason: But those 5 people loved it. Those 5 people bought us more Jager than last night in front of triple the crowd.

Dean: And that’s 15 so…

Kenny: There was one drunk guy there that just fed us a bunch a jager and he probably woke up the next day and went, “Shit, how much did I spend? Why did I buy those guys that?”

So is Jager the liquor of choice for AM Conspiracy?

All: Yes.

Jason: Unfortunately, yes.

Like straight Jager or…

Jason: F* that shit; I don’t put Red Bull in my Jager.

Kenny: I prefer it with Red Bull, but ya know I’ll do it straight.

(Guys debating over to add Red Bull, or not add Red Bull…)

Kenny: I got a box of tampons for whenever you want to borrow one.

I’m a red-headed slut kind of girl myself.

Jason: You know what, we’ve talked about fisting, red headed slut girl… ya know what, I’m gonna marry you. It’s gonna happen.

And then you can give me tattoos and we’ll just live happily ever after.

Jason: I’m down; let’s go right now to Vegas. How do we get there?

Dean: We’ll swing by tomorrow.

Since you’ve made it know that you like to partake of the beverage, I’m assuming there’s got to be a funny story where someone lost clothing or ended up in a weird location, there’s got to be a good one.

Jason: You have no idea, there’s so many of them.

Drew: You do not have enough tape in that machine.

Jason: We’ll actually show you a quick video snippet of when there’s too much Jager going on. So sometimes we drink a lot of Jager, like a lot too much. If that even makes any sense.

Drew: Nope.

Dean: My Deanism’s are rubbing off on them.

Jason: Yeah he’s been trying to rub off on everybody in the band, but none of us are really into it. He even offered cross arming but everybody’s like… nah…

Rob: Don’t rub me off. No, don’t rub me off.

You’re a very close-knit band. I’ve heard about spooning (this was prior to recording unfortunately), rubbing it out…

Jason: Oh yeah, we’re like this

You take care of each other, whatever the need is.

Drew: Just to be clear, I’m not gay.

Jason: We call him “In the Rye”, cause he’s kind of like the Catcher, ya know, in the Rye. But yes, we tend to get drunk and stupid sometimes and I know that’s hard to believe since we’re coming across so intelligent right now.

I’m really finding hard to believe looking at all of you.

Kenny: I bet she’s actually finding it hard to believe we can drive the tour bus anywhere. so how do you drive this thing again? (Whispers) Very carefully.

Drew: We don’t drive this thing carefully, what are you talking about?

Whoever is the least drunk drives, right?

Dean: It’s like drawing straws. Can you grab the straw? No. Can you grab it? Maybe. Then you’re driving. Whoever can grab and actually focus on the straw gets the keys and everyone else braces. We all pray for a safe drive.

Jason: See this is what kills me when we headline, cause I can’t drink until after we get at least 3 or 4 songs in, because I will literally will end up naked on the stage, and it’s not really pretty.

That might be a good promotional tool for the band though; videos would pop up on You Tube everywhere.

Dean: That’s not the kind of promo we’re looking for with this mother f*er.

(The guys shared some hilarious videos from on the road with me at this point, but asked if I could leave the footage and what was shown out of the interview. Sorry Rock Fisters! Take your chances searching the web. Since Planet X is both a venue and a Whirlyball/ Lasertag spot we jumped back into the interview discussing the games.)

Dean: Do they have dodgeball in there?

No, but they have Lasertag.

Jason: I’m not a Lasertag kind of guy. I’ll play dodgeball. Hell yeah.

Dean: You know what they gotta get next door is croquet.

Croquet?

Dean: Kenny and I are avid, avid croquet players.

Jason: When was the last time you played croquet mother f*?!

Dean: Doesn’t matter, its croquet.

Jason: “We’re avid croquet players”, like he does everyday!

Dean: Used to do it all over the place, it’s a good time. You gotta play with the crazy rules, that’s when it gets to be a good time.

How do crazy rules apply to croquet?

Jason: It’s just like prison when he plays it guys just come over and f* him in the ass. I’m sorry, in about 3 hours you’ll probably have about 4 ½ minutes of footage you can actually use. We did this thing for NBC and the only footage we have is of us retarded, like hammered drunk.

Dean: NBC loves us, I just want to say.

So you guys are going to be on NBC sometime soon?

Dean: Did you really just see those videos? No, no we’re not. I doubt they’ll use any of it.

Kenny: I don’t think she wants to hang with us anymore.

Well I’m going to try and wrap up the interview, but this was fun, you guys are great.

Drew: But we have so much more to talk about.

Kenny: I don’t let my kids hang out with us, but we are a wholesome family band.

AM Conspiracy is:
Vocals – Jason “Gong” Jones
Drums – Dean Andrews
Bass – Kenny Harrelson
Guitar – Drew Burke
Guitar – Rob DeHaven

Below are pictures from the AM Conspiracy’s performance the night of Rock Fist’s interview. Click a picture to view a larger image. All photos taken by Susie Ceruto of Shock and Awe.

Popularity: 53%

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
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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.

Popularity: 42%

Kurt Baldyga (aka “SIX”, aka “Chicago”)

Profession: Tattoo Artist/ Owner
Location: Tampa, FL

Contact:
Chicago Custom Tattoo
9701 66th Street N
Pinellas Park, Fl 33782
(727) 544-2470
chicagocustomtattoo@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/chicagocustomtattoo

Shop Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 2:30p – 10:30p
Fri & Sat: 2:30p – Midnight
Sunday: by appointment

Why he rocks: Chicago Custom Tattoo is owned and operated by Kurt (aka “SIX”, aka “Chicago”) Baldyga. Kurt is an award-winning tattoo artist from Chicago who specializes in everything from PORTRAITS to COVER-UPS. C.C.T. is the only true CUSTOM tattoo studio this side of Tampa Bay. Each and every tattoo is designed and drawn specifically for the individual client based on heavy client input. Kurt does mostly appointment work, since each tattoo is drawn from scratch after client consultation, but also take walk-ins. So…if you’re looking for a piece of unique body art and not a “pick & stick” tattoo from a street shop, check out Kurt (aka “SIX”) and Chicago Custom Tattoo.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO VIEW LARGER

Popularity: 50%

Review of Whole Wheat Bread 5.13.09 Performance at The Drunken Unicorn

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Sample if you like: Social Distortion, Dr. Octagon, and Black Headz

Records:

It’s hard for me to put Whole Wheat Bread into A category or genre of music. Some may say they are a straight up punk band and other may want to throw them into a rap/rock genre. In my opinion they are more than all of those elements. You can toss reggae and metal in to, making them a true punk rock band.

Aaron Abram on Guitar is so obviously well studied in his licks. I heard anything from a hardcore metal riffs, to the classic punk riffs in “Ode to Father”. He is also the classic punk front man guitar player/singer demanding attention. This band is a unit and is totally tight on stage. From what I could see and hear I didn’t notice any stage mistakes. Then again I should say it is the middle of the tour they are on. WWB is also a band that commands the crowd. Everyone in the room will know who is playing and the purpose of them rocking it. In that way they are a classic hip hop band. The crowd must be involved! Which I think also carries over to punk from early bands like the Beastie Boys. Joseph Largen is a phenomenal drummer. At one point I asked myself if he is studio drummer hired to never screw up. Then I noticed his stage antics, twirling sticks between fills and the classic toss and catch. He kind of reminded me of a Tommy Lee in that way! CJ on bass had his low end moving. I mean truly cooking! It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a bass player move that fast on songs like “lower class man”. Just when you think it’s over they can cross genres again and play a little punk rock version of a country two step “Old Man Samson”.

If there is any down side to WWB, it’s that will tend to pull a younger crowd just by nature of the music. So if your not into “dirty south punk rock” then it isn’t for you, but if your mind can reach across genres and sub-pop punk than you are in for a big treat. The only thing that would hold me back from seeing this band again is if they played a big 40,000 seat venue and I was way in the back. I think that punk rock and hip hop is best in smaller venues, where the artist can pull the crowd into the show. Lastly I just want to say that at my next WWB show I want to see some B-boys/B-girls ripping some break dancing moves on the dance floor. All the ones I know are going love this band and the shows. I also want to see a big old circle mosh pit full on 80’s style.

~Benjamin King

Rock Fist Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up, fists pumping, and hands waving in the air!
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Whole Wheat Bread is:
Guitar & Vocals- Aaron Abram
Bass & Vocals- CJ
Drums- Joseph Largen

Popularity: 39%

Withered (Prosthetic Records)
Location: Atlanta, GA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Um. I don’t know, just listen. Death mixed with stoner/ southern rock elements. They have that Atlanta sound and tone popularized with stuff like Mastodon. Not that they sound exactly like that”.

~Metal Mike

Popularity: 79%

The Long Johns

Location: Orlando, FL
Rock/ Ska

“High energy Orlando ska which reminds me of early No Doubt with more keyboards, and NOFX stage banter. Def a band coming up to check out”.

~Wes “Platinum” Driscoll

Popularity: 29%

Teabaggin

 

Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Punk/ Hardcore/ Metal

“Good Florida punk fronted by a Cuban/Scottish madman, who sometimes ends up wearing a leather mask with a leather whip. A must see live show”.

~Wes “Platinum” Driscoll

Popularity: 28%