While digging thru my emails, I came across an email from Atacho, who does the Crisis Total zine in Chile. I have a horrible memory, and I don't think I ever even read this email when it came in (sad to admit). To anyone else I haven't replied to yet, I'm sorry!
Anyways, in his email he sent me a link to check out his band DESPERFECTO. I'm super glad he did too, as this stuff rips (I need to come up with more adjectives to describe good punk). Hardcore/pogo-ish punk that reminds me of bands like AS MERCENARIAS or LA MISMA, but in Spanish. I've heard that Chile has an amazing punk scene and if this band is any indication, then yeah I can believe that. As an added bonus, they have a split with REHUSAR on their bandcamp. I don't know much about REHUSAR other than they sound way heavier and angrier than DESPERFECTO. A cool split and something that would go great with doing things that require venting (like washing the dishes or folding clothes. I hate crusted forks)!
You know, I've come to the conclusion that I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to punk. There's never a lack of bands to find, whether here in LA or elsewhere in the world...
I got an email last May from GENERACION BASURA asking me if I can take a listen to their demo and share their music. Although it's been about a year since that email, I've always believed it's better late than never. So check this out, punk from Seville, Spain that's in the vein of old US hardcore. Not really anything surprising really, as a lot of old Spanish bands were influenced by bands from the USA. So, this could be influenced by old US bands or old Spanish bands. You decide! This reminds me of bands like TDK or ESCORBUTO CRONICO (who in turn remind of DEAD KENNEDY'S and MDC). Yes, things really do seem to come around full circle some times.
PS look at that cover art! It reminds me of early 90's MTV Oddities cartoons like THE MAXX or THE HEAD. Maybe it's the purple, maybe it's the mouth, or maybe it's this glue I'm sniffing, but it gives me that vibe.
This past weekend, we went up to the Bay Area to Manic Relapse. It was a good time had by all (although I don't remember much of Saturday night). Anyways, Mario was there with his trusty camera to take a few pics of some of the bands. Here's a few of the ones he managed to take.
Apriori , Manic Relapse III @ WRC
Apriori, Manic Relapse III @ WRC
Ausencia, Manic Relapse III @ WRC
Korrosive @ Los Globos
Apriori, Manic Relapse III @ WRC
Morpheme, Manic Relapse III @ WRC
Somebody take me back in time to this weekend! Normal life is just too boring at times...
I'm fairly new to the photography thing, but I do enjoy snapping pictures of Punx doing their thing. Also pictures of other cool stuff I see in LA or On tour in other cities. I'll try to be consistent with my posts, that's if I'm not too busy being a BOZO. - Mario
I've written about BED BUGS before (you can see what I had to say about that here), but was unable to upload anything really, because their demo had not been officially released yet. Well, I finally managed to pick up their demo tape at their last show with ORDEN MUNDIAL in South Central LA. Killer hardcore that's hard as fuck and never really lets go. While this tape is really good, to really appreciate this band, you just have to see them live. Luckily, they have several shows coming up and they play somewhat often around LA. Check them out March 4 w/ WHO KILLED SPIKEY JACKET?, SSYNDROM, PRIMITIVE PACT, and MUTANT ITCH in Temple City.
GENERACION SUICIDA will be doing a mini tour through Mexico this upcoming week. Venues and info below:
Feb 12 - Tijuana @ Mods Bar
Feb 13 - Guadalajara @ La Kalaka Bar
Feb 14 - DF @ Libelula
We're pretty stoked about this upcoming tour. Mexico has been in the spotlight these past few years thanks in part to a bunch of awesome bands that have been coming out of there. Here a few of my favorites:
TERCER MUNDO
Brutal hardcore! I feel like pretty much everyone loves this band, and for good reason! Too bad I missed them when they played LA, but at least we got to see them when we played together in DF last year. I'm sure you've probably heard this already, but in case you haven't, check them out here.
MUJERCITOS
More raw hardcore from Mexico. This band has members of Inservibles and Muerte. Pretty excited about playing with this band on the 14. It's going to be an unforgettable Valentines Day with MUJERCITOS! You can listen to them (and download their great 2014 demo) here
INSERVIBLES
Speaking of Inservibles... This band is amazing! Hardcore with super reverbed out vocals. Think of nasty, noisy hardcore, mix it with the CRAMPS, and turn it all extra gloomy and you get INSERVIBLES. I'm extremely happy I got to see them play last year in DF. I haven't wanted to puke after seeing a band in so long, but INSERVIBLES got me to that point haha. You can download the 2011 LP here (now you can puke at home too!)
LOS MONJO
Lets not forget this band! LOS MONJO have been doing the whole ESKORBUTO style punk thing for a couple of years now, and they are the masters at what they do. But to compare them just to ESKORBUTO would be a disservice! These guys play a style that is essentially dirty rock n roll that is both melodic and catchy. To really experience it though, you just have to see it live. The closest they've gotten to the states is Tijuana, but rumor has it they may finally be crossing into the USA this year. Lets keep our fingers crossed... Download their LP here
That's just 4 bands, but really there are so many more and I just don't have time to list every single one. Here's a couple of more that I can think of real quick: PUTAS MADRES, MUERTE, AVICHINES, CREMALLERAS, CRIMEN, ZOTZ, NARCOESTADO, etc...
Before I leave, check out this amazing video of MASSACRE 68 and ATOXXXICO in 1994. Sooooo epic!
This fog's got me in a cool post-punk groove, as of late. You know the feeling. The kind where you just want to wear your sunglasses after dark and listen to upbeat (yet gloomy) music. Enter PLEASURE LEFTISTS to fill the void for that music. This tape compiles everything they've released up to 2013 and it's great! Dark post-punk that's both at times brooding and upbeat. They played in South Central about a year ago (which is when I get this tape) and they were great (except for a few minor technical difficulties). I saw them again recently and they were even better the 2nd time around. Anyways, slick your hair back, put on your peacoat and walk into the fog with this tape in your walkman.
