CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

DETROITS SOURCE FOR

LOCAL PUNK ROCK

FANZINE ISSUE #1

FREE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 1: U.D.I. SELF-TITLED LP REVIEW AND THE A-GANG SELF-TITLED CD REVIEW PAGE 2: KOFFIN KATS INTERVIEW PAGE 3: DEATH INVADES EARTH INTERVIEW PAGE 4: INTERVIEW WITH HELLMOUTH PAGE 5: PLASTIC BOYZ COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW PAGE 6: INTERVIEW WITH AGAINST THE GRAIN, DICK HICKEY COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW PAGE 7: MOUTH SEWN SHUT DOOMED FUTURE TODAY REVIEW PAGE 8: MOLOTOV COMPROMISE INTERVIEW PAGE 9: BASEMENT 414, UPCOMING AND NEW RELEASES, AND NEW BANDS PAGE 10: THE BEST SHOW NO ONE SAW, APRIL 2ND, 2010 NEW YORK NEW YORK PAGE 11: UPCOMING SHOWS PAGE 12: CONTACT INFORMATION

U.D.I. SELF-TITLED LP REVIEW

What if the Accused, instead of being born in Seattle, was born in a dirty Detroit trailer park? More than likely, someone like Unidentified Drunken Injury would form. While they both play amphetamine-fueled thrashing hardcore, the similarities between those two bands end there; I have never heard a band sound quite like U.D.I. does on this LP. In many ways, U.D.I. is very unique. I have not heard a band play this fast and this proficiently in a very long time, and I have not heard a vocalist sound quite like Mike Ratt does, ever. He sounds like what a demonic, possessed child on cocaine would sound like. Most notably, I have never heard a band that made me want to drink, skateboard and consume massive quantities of speed simultaneously. U.D.I. does all of that in the short span of eighteen minutes. Ratts nihilistic babbling is probably the most memorable part of this album, because its so fast, yet the message is so clear. The guitar is a sonic assault on the ears; its fast enough, loud enough, and I fuckin love it. The bass and drums are fueled o nly by anger and alcohol, yet they manage to rip like a bassist and drummer should. In any other city, the sheer ferocity of the album would likely be misplaced, but in a fucked-up metropolis like Detroit, U.D.I. is right at home. No one plays music like this; buy this album from Spider Cuddler Records and experience this septic thrash for yourself!

There are some who believe that all punk rock is violent and angry, despite the fact that a good portion of punk rock is happy or exhales frustration and not anger. However, there are bands that still exist that make you angry, make you burn with rage, make you want to just wake up and destroy everything. The AGang is one of these bands. Their first record will send you over the edge and kick you downwards into a sea of true fury that knows no depth. Your Best Interest kicks off the album with some furious, clear yelling by singer Ben Wixson. The song truly unleashes the frustration and despair of being poor and how the powers that be conspire to keep things this way. Live on Fire is a straight -up energetic tune that just fucking rocks. No more needs to be said. Shotgun is a good track, keeping the flow of emotional distress going. Kill the Routine pushes the moving locomotive even faster, exhaling the hatred of sameness and predictability, a feeling that anyone, even non-punk fans can discern. Gods and Bombs is the sing-a-long track of this album, and rightfully so. Its catchy and does not give up a pint of rage to achieve it. Heres To You is a love letter of a song filled with the anger anyone should feel at the world. Finally, the track That Sinking Feeling is absolutely groundbreaking. This is one of very few songs that feed the burning rage into you, makes you pick up a baseball bat and just unleash all the fucking fury the world deserves inflicted on it. A spectacular release, The A-Gang is a CD for everyone who has been angry at some point in their lifetime.

THE A-GANG SELF-TITLED CD REVIEW

Do you listen to a lot of music, or do you take a Joey Ramone approach and aim to have a smaller amount of influences? Lots of music. You have to keep your mind open if you want to have any type of progress in your song writing. Lately it seems all I have been listening to is Sheer Terror and old Waylon Jennings. How is Ian adjusting to the Koffin Kats lifestyle? He is now playing like hes always been in the band. His liver is having a hard time adjusting though! Is it difficult to adjust to living on the road? I love the road. After a week of being home I just want to get back out there. Its easier for us now that we have been through the U.S. so much that there is usually a floor to sleep on after a show. Why is it that psychobilly bands have a tendency to release more material than most punk rock bands? I dont think its just psychobilly. Theres a lot more punk or whatever bands putting out a lot more material out now because recording has become easier and more affordable these days.

INTERVIEW
WITH THE

KOFFIN KATS

Do you have any plans to release new material in the next year or so? Were planning on getting back into the studio in August with Ian. Hopefully have an EP out around November.

What are your plans to tour in Europe at the moment? Is playing there better than playing here? What sets it apart? Were heading over to Europe in Mid-May for 6 weeks. Were going all over the U.K. and as far east as the Ukraine. I think artists in general have a higher level of respect for them over there when compared to the States. Do you find much success touring in a particular area? Which one? Well the West coast has always been a hotspot for bands like us. Especially in southern California. You have a higher population of people there into the underground culture.

Do your speakers go to eleven? No, because it pisses off the sound guy when you have the loud of volume onstage. If ya want to sound good then make the sound guy happy!

Anything else youd like to add for fans/potential fans? Well, thank you for taking the time to read this! Hope to see ya at a show sometime. Live music and touring bands do still exist. Go out there and support!!

DEATH INVADES EARTH INTERVIEW

What is the Flint music scene like now? Has it changed for better or worse since the days of Dissonance and others? My first show I saw was Soul Side, with about 200 people at the show, it changed my life; I wanted to play drums. The scene went downhill due to violence. With past bands we were lucky to see 30 people. With D.I.E. lately, our shows have been doing good seeing around 60 to a 100 people in our hometown, and not too bad out of town. Have you guys had much success playing outside your hometown? If so, where? Not too bad, we played a show in Battle Creek at Planet Rock and we felt very welcome. We sold a lot of shirts and CDs at the show, thats always good. Also the Double OO in Redford seems to do good for us.

I hear you have been involved with the Hood Core Music Alliance. Tell us a little about that. J.J. of Grog has done a great job with Hood Core; Lots of good bands and good people. As long as we work together, it should do well for a lot of people.

Is it easy being both a hardcore punk band and being an otherwise socially responsible member of society (i.e. husband, father, laborer, etc.)? I (Tony) have 6 kids and a wife of 15 years, Alan has one kid and a girlfriend, and Rob has a wife of 12 years. Our families are very supportive of the band. We try to take off one week a month for the family, but its hard, because we love to play out also. Do you guys harbor as bleak views on life as you do in some of your music? The bleak part of our music is to get your attention; I guess the real message is between the lines. I try to be positive in a negative world, its tough, but I have to keep my head up for my kids.

What, do you feel, is the best way to get involved in and contribute to the local music scene? Weve started a monthly show at Camerons (our local spot) called, Saturday Night Hardcore. Were trying to bring out of town acts to support our scene, and pick them up some more fans.

Is it tough to get the ability to play shows in Detroit with its distance from Flint? I think if we try harder, which we plan to, I think it will be easier. We just have to get our foot in the door.

Anything else youd like to throw in? We would like to thank all the clubs, bars, bands, and people weve meet so far, for the support youve given us. We hope to see you all again soon. And thank you for your time David; we appreciate what youre doing.

When would you anticipate seeing your next full-length released? Alex: Late summer. Andrei Bouzikov is already painting the cover.

INTERVIEW WITH HELLMOUTH

What would you say/do with someone with a passing interest in punk rock to get to participate more? Jay: Get to know your local scene, people, places, bands, collectives, houses etc... once you do you will know where to go from there. D.E.W.N. Alex: They shouldn't need prodding. You're either in or you're out. What current projects are you undertaking at the moment? Ive heard talk of a few splits. Alex: We recorded for a split with Explode and Make Up (from Chicago). The cover art has been printed but I don't know when the vinyl's gonna be done. We recorded for a split with Embrace the Kill, In Defence and Mouth Sewn Shut. I'm working on the art for that right now. We also recorded some covers for a split with Wreak Havoc but the harddrive crashed so I don't know if those songs are going to be salvaged. We have a bunch of shit in the hopper, but it's all at the mercy of the labels. Jay: A very dear and close friend of mine, Jeff Dean, is in the band Explode And Make Up from Chicago with Dennis who sang for 88 Fingers Louie. It's SICK! Jeff is one of my best friends we thought it would be cool to do a split together. How cool is that! D.E.W.N.

What kind of philosophy does Hellmouth espouse? Alex: If Hellmouth espoused a philosophy then it wouldn't be dogmatic. It is what it is. Hellmouth is routed in reality and Hellmouth is routed in the present. The past and future are literally figments of our imagination. Hellmouth is freedom. Fuck fatalism. Do what thou wilt shall be the law of the land. With your recent jet in local popularity, do you look at Hellmouth as more of a frame of mind rather than just four guys playing music? Jay: The people who embrace us have the same ideals and are no different than us. So yes a frame of mind; the music is secondary. D.E.W.N. Alex: I hope its more than music. If people can feel what we feel or get a glimpse into where we're coming from then I think a connection is being made. I think it's bigger than 4 old fuckers thrashing around on stage. Who does most of the art/design work for Hellmouth? Alex: I try and execute the majority of the visuals. We've collaborated with a couple artists and illustrators we identify with for some work, but I try to be the glue that holds the identity together. Hellmouth isn't music to me, it's holistic art.

How do you feel the scene has gone soft? What can be done to change this mentality? Jay: You have to survive the Detroit scene. If you do and you still want to be a part? You must love it and want to live it. No fly by night, halfsteppers wanted here, just lifers. D.E.W.N. Jeff: When I said it has gone soft, Im comparing the scene to back when I started to see shows in the mid 80s. When I went to see shows, it felt like all hell could have broken loose at any time. It was like a test of guts to be involved in the action. Thats the feeling we want to create with our live shows. It doesnt mean we want people fighting or any of that bullshitin fact, if you start a fight at one of our shows, youre going to have to deal with us because we wont put up with it. We have an o ld school mentality. We want circle pits, stage dives, arm in arm sing-alongs, head banging, front of the stage pile-ons.none of this pansy ass Warped Tour crowd surfing, hi-fiving the band garbage. I want a kid who is timid about being involved at a show to join all the other lunatics in front and after the show think to himself, Wow.I survived and had a great time! I want to do that again! Alex: Jeff summed it up. It needs an air of violence. A feeling of holy fuck, I just managed to survive. How did a riot NOT break out? Fuck! And sometimes a riot does break out. We want everyone to go home in one piece, but to feel like for 30 minutes it was a fine line between safety and a prison riot.

PLASTIC BOYZ
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
It was approximately 1978 that Crass declared that punk is dead, which was true to a certain extent. They were referring to popularity overtaking what they saw as a musical expression of real anger, real emotion, real values, and a palpable manifestation of anarchy. In turn, hardcore replaced the 77 style of punk rock as the flag-bearer of true punk rock values, and that too eventually died out, at least in terms of commercial viability. Hardcore has always been underground, but there was a certain level of popularity to it, and that died down in the mid-80s, when the hardcore sound branched off, changed, or morphed into something else altogether. With this, there have been very few bands able to fully capture the same anger, frustration, and alienation that the holy trinity of hardcore showed to the world. One band in the Detroit area, however, has shown a comeback of this sound. This band is the Plastic Boyz. The Plastic Boyz are relatively new, as their first show was in October 2009, but they have already left a large stain on the music scene in Detroit; this is meant to be endearing, however. Most songs have to with personal matters, such as My Destiny, Chameleon, and my personal favorite No Control. These songs are about the issues that take place in the everyday lives of the Plastic Boyz, and likely, on a large scale, a lot of people who share a personality trait or two. Some songs have a social commentary, like Mans Greatest Gift to God, and others are a little bit ridiculous, like Burger Blitz and Lightbulb. However, every song they write is a personal message to the punks: They write about real life, real problems, and reality in general, for that matter. They express this through the raw, pissed off sound of the 80s hardcore style that sounds very fresh after over twenty years of being underground and semi-retired. The only trace of another genre in their music is a small tinge of garage, which is traced back to the drummer and bassists former band, the Dial Tones. Otherwise, the sound is simple, yet so very strong. Live shows are incredibly energetic, as the lead singer Kelly throws himself into the music full-fucking-throttle. The rest of the band in turn build energy off of Kellys hooting and hollering and create a snowball that doesnt stop rolling until the last song ends. The Plastic Boyz can be found wherever alcohol and rowdiness may be, but New Baltimore and the northern suburbs in general are where they reside and they play regularly in the Detroit area. They have an EP for $2 and some other merchandise for sale at the moment. Attending a show would be in ones best interest; you wont get a better investment out of a $5 cover for a show.

A little off-topic, what are your thoughts on so-called Crack Rock Steady music? Is it a serious genre or is it just a negative stereotype of punk rockers? I take that whole scene with a grain of salt. I personally never got that into it, but I know a lot of people base their lives around that scene. I just never took the lyrics of LOC to heart, really. I dont respect STZA, but I do love the music. How do you feel about some of your fans? You know what Im talking about. We hate some of the disrespect that was shown at some of our first shows. Were trying to build a community with bands we play with, and when people only show us respect, then leave, it makes us look bad. 5.

Would you ever consider hosting out-of-state bands for your shows? What kinds of bands would you host, if so? Absolutely! Any punk band that needs to come through MI wed love to hook up. Setting up tours is hard! We love Voice of Addiction from Chicago and just played with them. Check them out. Any big upcoming projects youre working on currently? Writing a bunch of new songs and spreading our free CD; recording 6 new songs in the fall to make a full length. Bryans getting married in October, so well be having a fill-in guitarist for a lot of shows coming. Keep It a Threat 2, June 12th! Were excited as shit for that!

Whats the best place to get quality local music? Record Time is great with that. Flipside Records. Or the local shows. It feels great when someone buys your album directly from you after you just played.

What are your thoughts about free/pirated music? Is it positive or negative?

For bands starting off and trying to get their music out there, its fantastic. We give our EP away for free because we just want people to hear it. (Plug: www.mediafire.com/atgtheband) But I can see when youre to the point of trying to make a living off your music, and youre struggling, it could definitely hurt you. I think the point in which bands are affected by it is when it becomes something youre trying t o make a living off of, and you cant because everyones downloading your stuff.

INTERVIEW
WITH AGAINST THE

GRAIN DICK HICKEY

REVIEW

What is so significant about the city of Yale? Only three things, it would seem. The first is that it is home to an annual bologna festival, as much bologna is sold in the local area. The second is that Jason Navarro of Suicide Machines, Hellmouth and Left in Ruin fame was born there. Third, and most pertinent, is that it is also home to punk rock band Dick Hickey, a name which very aptly describes the style of punk they play. Dick Hickey is essentially what you would get if you fused Detroit punk, Black Flag, and the Pink Lincolns. They play very angry punk, but it possesses a sense of humor akin to the latter band, with a slight nod to the utter absurdity of Anal Cunt. This makes for an interesting fusion to create a pretty cool show. The music is, at the very least, enjoyable as an element of Michigan punk and at the very best, it is a unique blend I will dub Redneck -core, a genre defining the music of rural punk rockers who hate their surroundings just as much as their urban and suburban counterparts. Most of their songs deal with the shitty end of rural life, including but not limited to playing mailbox baseball, hating your neighborhood, fucked-up relationships, bipolar and suicidal teenagers, and the love of meat and corresponding tongue-in-cheek hatred of vegetarians. Even being from the suburbs, I can relate to this music, because I can empathize with their boredom; the only real difference is geographic location and how we deal with our boredom correspondingly. Dick Hickey, while seemingly new to the Michigan punk scene, have a full-length album and a recently recorded EP, so they have as much material (or so) as Negative Approach did in their salad days. I dont know if Dick Hickey will ever be that good, but time certainly will te ll. Or better yet, find out, take a listen, and make a judgment call for yourself!

RETROACTIVE RESURRECTION
From time to time, bands die and new bands start up, because sometimes the creative juices just arent flowing, or because members are drifting apart for whatever reason. One band that died far before its time, however, was a band called Frank White, who had a relatively unique take on pop punk music. There wasnt a single song on any of their songs without a swear word, usually fuck. The songs were very melodic and able to suit anyone unable to handle the intensity of a Black Flag or Negative Approach album. However, conversely, its possible for someone involved in hardcore punk to list this band as one of their favorite bands and not look like a wuss, because the songs had a particular level of intensity that makes them alright for pretty much anyone to listen to. In fact, most of Frank Whites fans were kids involved in the local ska scene. This is one of those things that made Frank White so great: they brought hardcore punks, ska kids, and other local music degenerates together in one place. (On a side note, let me clarify that anyone can listen to any kind of music and should be free from judgment of being any kind of wuss or any other kind of detrimental ad hominem. I simply mean that listing the Bee Gees and the Circle Jerks as primary influences looks a bit strange, and I seek to declare that Frank White does not fall under this category) Frank White had three demos, the third one being a re-release of their first one with three additional tracks, including a cover of the Lillingtons Murder on my Mind. Unfortunately, the band drifted apart in their personal lives early on in 2009, and played what was most likely their last show in the fall of 2009. Singer and bassist Ben Wixson has since moved on to the A-Gang, and I am unaware where the rest of the band has moved onto. However, the legacy of Frank White extends further than one might think; there is a cover of the bands hit song Live Forever online and there has already been a small amount of talk of putting the thirteen song s of the Frank White demos onto a single 12 LP. This was a really good band with an even better stage presence. If you know someone who has the Frank White demos, ask them to burn them for you. Its twenty-seven minutes of great, fuckridden pop punk.

If you want to have your music reviewed, have your band interviewed or god forbid you want to advertise, please refer to the back page for contact information for the Criminal Behavior fanzine and we can discuss prices and/or favors.

Live to Kill playing at TNTs in October of 2009. A few gobs of spit and a few punches later, the set was shut down during Against the Grains set after Live to Kill had finished up.

The Plastic Boyz at the Meat Mansion in Ann Arbor, May 2010. This is a shot of the mini-pit that broke out while they played.

Dick Hickey at the same show as above. Here it looks like lead singer Nick and Kelly, lead singer for the Plastic Boyz, are getting into an argument.

MOUTH SEWN SHUT, DOOMED FUTURE TODAY

REVIEW
Mouth Sewn Shut, August 2009, at the Black Cherry in Toledo, Ohio

What happens when one fuses ska and crust punk? Most would think the world would collapse into a black hole of sorts, because the two genres could not be more different, and such a fusion would not be possible. However, not only does Boston-based band Mouth Sewn Shut (with members from Toxic Narcotic) fuse these two genres together, they do it so well they may well have paved a path for a new genre that cant even really be labeled. In short, this album isnt just awesome; this is a fucking seminal release. The first two tracks of this album are reminiscent of the good old days of Toxic Narcotic: Fucking angry, misanthropic, nihilistic, and concise. Bills voice, while very familiar, really establishes something in crust-related punk that is very rare: clarity. The third track introduces the ska/reggae influence and slows the tempo down a bit. Then the fourth track brings the crust back, and the f ifth track, Methademic, is a successful fusion of these two sounds and they never look back. From here on, a soundtrack for the end of the world is established, and its fucking groovy. The next three tracks push the new sound forward, immersing one in a vat of misanthropic disgust and danceable rhythms. The next three return to a more punk-based sound, but keeps the groove moving, and gives an insight to a few of Mouth Sewn Shuts political views, like that we are all immigrants and that wasting ones life drinking all the time is a frightfully negative action. The track Doomed Future Today really sums up the band, clearing a path to unleash all of their views onto the unsuspecting public. The last two tracks appropriately close out the album, especially the final track. I cant imagine anyone being unable to scream the lyric Whatd you think was gonna happen when it finally came down to bombs? This is one of the best and most unique releases from a band in the last decade. This band has the potential to lead the way for a national network of punk rock. If there is a Mouth Sewn Shut show within 200 miles of you, go. If there is a CD or LP, buy it (hint, there are some). You cant ask for a better band.

MOLOTOV COMPROMISE INTERVIEW

How did the name itself come to fruition? The name comes from East Croatia, and its meaning derives from the Great Croatian War of 1623, when the Polish attacked Croatia and they invented the Molotov cocktail. Long story. Is there a squatting culture in the Houston area? Are they involved with music or do they simply squat? The squatta kids here pretty much just pass through on their way to New Orleans or California, so there's not too much going on. Then again, its summer again, so we'll see! How did you come to meet Star Fucking Hipsters? What was that like? As far as the hipsters go, we met them playing with Leftover Crack here in town. We got a hold of the hipsters when they came through for their sxsw west coast tour and we booked one show, then another, then another, next thing we know we have 6 shows booked and were giving them a ride to NYC in a little SUV. We got real fuckin familiar if ya know what I mean haha.

When did your first album come out? How was it received? Did you press it, burn it to blank CDs, or release it digital-only? First demo came out god knows when, but the first album "My Life Has Value came out in 08; we pressed it and packaged it through some guy who did a shit job, but it still came out. You can download it for free somewhere I believe.

What are your opinions on Crack Rock Steady music, being that youve met the essential creator of it? Well, we have a few good stories about the man, and have spent thousands of miles on the road with him. But we think crack-rock is a great subgenre, but please dont call us that; we like to see beyond that, not that we're better or anything. What kind of touring have you done? Any memorable experiences or notable things to know about touring? As a band, touring is our life. AS A BAND TOURING IS OUR LIFE..... I cant count off the top of my head how many tours we've done, but we've been from NYC, to L.A., to Florida, to Seattle, to Chicago and everywhere in between. As far as memorable notes, one night in L.A. we stayed at Juliet Lewis house, pretty interesting. Oh and something about a bear attack (detonate!)

What do you think of the ska scene in Houston? How is the turnout? We love the ska scene here in Houston, but believe it can be picked up a little bit as well as the other music scenes...

Any upcoming plans, like a tour, new EP, or new merch? As far as tours, look for an east coast/ Midwest tour with Star Fucking Hipsters before the year closes out. (Sturgeon if you read this you still owe me some fuckin sushi, I don't care how hung over you are!)

Upcoming releases: The Basement 414

Lansing, Michigan The Basement 414 is a small art collective and music venue right in the heart of downtown Lansing. It is tucked away just a half block from Michigan Avenue. The sound system for bands is very good and the owners/patrons are some of the kindest people one could hope to meet. Most of the main investors in the Basement 414 are Communists, college students, or artists of some sort, whether its music, drawing, painting, or anything else that might come to mind. Because the venue is a collective of artists, just about any type of music can be booked there, although punk rock and experimental music seem to be the two mainstays. All shows are free and any nonconfrontational behavior is accepted. The only real downside to the venue would be that the range of the potential audience is somewhat limited; however, this can be positive or negative, depending on how one looks at a small audience. This is a fun venue to play at and frequent, and as long as money is not an issue, it is a must-play venue for any band looking to tour outside of the Detroit area.

Dick Hickey 26 Cents EP Three Hellmouth splits 1: (with Explode & Make Up) 2: (with Embrace the Kill, In Defence, and Mouth Sewn Shut) 3: (with Wreak Havoc) Molotov Compromise Chestpains LP Why Be Something That Youre Not: History of Detroit hardcore 79-85 Touch and Go: The Complete Hardcore Punk Zine 79 to 83

New releases:
Corporation Return of the Corporation CD Detroit 442 Boredom City CD The Family s/t full-length CD We Are the Union Great Leaps Forward LP Unidentified Drunken Injury s/t LP GBH Perfume and Piss CD

New bands:
Ghetto Kids (http://www.myspace.com/495714584) The Kalashnikovs (http://www.myspace.com/thekalashnikovsdetroit) Explicit Bombers (http://www.myspace.com/explicitbombers) Disposable Society (http://www.myspace.com/disposablesocietyflint)

THE BEST SHOW THAT NO ONE SAW New York, New York New Baltimore, MI April 2 nd, 2010
Mobilizing a punk scene is pretty tough; people dont always want to check out a show. They might want to hang out with their non-punk friends, their boyfriend or girlfriend, watch TV, surf the Internet, or check for ticks, whatever. Even if people do want to check out a show, they arent willing to go very far. This show was a prime example of that; five really good bands with a tight sound were watched by about twenty people. Despite this, every band performed quite well in its own way. First up were the Ghetto Kids, who unfortunately ran a bit late, so their set was trimmed by about half. Despite this, they laid out about six good tracks of Lansing basement hardcore. Short, fast, and scream-laden, the only downside was that they didnt play or stay for very long. For a newly formed band, however, these guys are definitely on the right path. Next up was Assault Squad, who had taken a leave from shows for a month or so, until now. They banged out a traditionally good set of punk infused with some Crack Rock Steady and rockabilly. They have been steadily coming along with some new tracks since the Baseball Bat Abortion split with Core Rotten last year. When not combined with alcohol, everyone mixes their respective sounds together and creates some pretty damn genuine punk rock. Given enough time, effort, and a little cash, Assault Squad will without a doubt go somewhere, possibly in record stores around the local area, state and country, and perhaps even a tour would be possible. In short, shitty bands should not tour; Assault Squad does not have to worry about that. If they can collect themselves enough to record a full-length, they can hit the ground running in the future days and weeks. Dick Hickey arose to the stage next, and they came prepared. Despite a revolving door of drummers, frontman Nick Hickey has put together a team of redneck punks and with them has put out a fulllength album and a soon-to-be-released five song EP. The set that the band blasted out exemplifies their unique redneck-core style of punk. The band has a surprisingly high level of musicianship for punk rockers; guitarist Aaron Laser Adams even belts out a few killer leads. Nick is quite the versatile frontman, switching between guitar-playing and singing simultaneously to simply singing, never losing an ounce of his ginger rage. After that, garage punk band the Amoebas (former Offbeats) took center stage and poured out a 60s influenced set of punk. While not fueled by amphetamines and angst as the other bands are, the Amoebas are just as good as the rest of the bands on the bill. Singer/guitarist Brian has a vision, and he has made that vision a reality with this relatively new band. Only a few good bands play garageinfluenced punk, and the Amoebas, although they only have a single 7 out, are one of the bands on the forefront of good garage music. Perhaps Im looking in the wrong areas, who knows? You dont! You werent there! Last up were the Plastic Boyz. They have their sound down to a tee, and they showed it here. With 14 original grimy hardcore songs in the vein of Black Flag and some amped-up Stooges complete with screaming, the Plastic Boyz are probably the most potent hardcore band in the state. Given enough support and dedication, the possibilitie s dont end. This was the best show that no one went to. Get out there and support; your loved one, TV, and computer will still be there when you get back!

UPCOMING SHOWS:
June 12th: Keep It a Threat festival at Transitions Skate Park in Dearborn Heights, featuring thirteen bands June 17th: Bike Tuff, Hellmouth, the Burning Heads, Murder Majesty, the Bravest Kids, and Masnema at the 734 in Ypsilanti The Waffle Stompers, Superdot, CbJ, Seized Up, Sparks, and St. Thomas Boys Academy at Club 309/ Genesis Building in Royal Oak June 18th: Nightbringer, Deathskin Razors, Attention Span, The Wankys, Lotus Fucker and more at the Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC) in Grand Rapids Switchblade Justice, Rachel & Junk, The Clots and The Dewtons at Smalls in Hamtramck June 19th: Death Invades Earth, Against the Grain, 13 Turns, and Explicit Bombers at Camerons Bar in Flint H8 Inc., Voice of Anger, the Plague Years, CbJ, the Armed, and the Taozins at the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit June 23rd: Murphys Law, Against the Grain, D.A., Death in Custody, and Deathskin Razors at Smalls in Hamtramck June 24th: D.O.A., Shotbaker, Against the Grain, and the Taozins at Macs Bar in Lansing H8 Inc., Nightbringer and Pound for Pound at PJs Lager House in Detroit June 25th: D.O.A., Shotbaker, Bill Bondsmen, Final Assault, and Kommie Kilpatrick at Smalls in Hamtramck Blood Bricks N Booze, Johnny Love and Speed, and the Hillbilly Hellcats at the Painted Lady June 26th: Core Rotten, The Involuntarys, Explicit Bombers and Shitheads at the Double O Pub in Redford June 30th: U.D.I., The Pallbearers, and Plastic Boyz at the Comet Bar in Detroit July 1st: Explicit Bombers, From Square One, and CbJs tour kickoff at the 734 in Ypsilanti July 10th: GBH, Outernational!, and Detroit 442 at Smalls in Hamtramck July 15th: CbJ, Take a Hint, Treehouse Rivals, Explicit Bombers, Against the Grain and Staple Salute at Club 309/Genesis Building in Royal Oak July 23rd-25th: JJR Punk fest with twenty-five national bands in Buchanan July 23rd: The Dewtons, Flaming Nosebleed, Meat for Dogs, and Roaming Bovine at the Painted Lady in Hamtramck July 31st: Touch and Go/WBSTYN book release show with Negative Approach, Violent Apathy, Sorcen, Tesco Vees Hate Police and Hellmouth at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit Community Records tour including Stuck Lucky, ABE, Fatter than Albert, Matt Wixson, Treehouse Rivals, Take a Hint, and Seized Up at Club 309 in Royal Oak

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