Punk and Ska Fest 2002

The Symposium

Friday, August 2^nd 2002

 This little shindig also spilled over into the Phantasy Night Club, and although my wrist band would have allowed me to go back and forth I chose to keep my fat ass planted in one location.  No regrets, either, as this was one hell of a punk rock show, the only exception being openers Soma, who must have wandered into the wrong club.  Their brand of mid tempo alterna rock found few supporters. 

Things got on track with the second band, however.  The Antisocialists were making their live debut, and performed with confidence and energy.  Vocalist/drummer Mike Wax has a voice that reminds me of Kurt from DRI, and the band’s music was very much in the vein of early eighties hardcore.  A little rough around the edges, but these guys have potential.

 The Jackknife Powerbombs were up next, and although they all had snazzy matching outfits and played well together, their songs just didn’t grab me.  I stepped out of the club to take in some fresh air and missed the first of the evening’s fights.  When I returned it was just about time for the Interceptors to go on.

 Strongsville’s the Interceptors were my favorite band of the evening.  They rocked the house Detroit style, covering both the MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams” and Iggy’s “Search and Destroy”, and they had several strong originals, too.  If I had a tape of these guys playing on my car stereo I would probably wind up with a speeding ticket.

 I enjoyed the Dick Dastardlys almost as much.  The Dastardlys are punk purists with plenty of “fuck you” attitude.  A few songs into the set the vocalist jumped into the crowd, and apparently an altercation took place which resulted in his briefly becoming unconscious.  Like a true professional, he shook off the cobwebs and resumed the performance with even more ferocity.  Now that’s punk rock.

 By the time they were done, it was almost 1:30 am.  Call me a wuss if you must, but I had to get some sleep, and I unfortunately missed the Squirts. For good, apparently, as this was billed as their last show.  Despite the misbehavior of a few drunk morons (and what would a Cleveland punk show be without that?) I definitely got my money’s worth.

Update 8-13-02

Just recently found out that the violence was worse than it appeared from my vantage point.  Blood was spilled, equipment damaged, and the Squirts didn't get to play.  Very sorry to hear it, and I hope this sort of thing doesn't become a trend.

Studio A Rama

Case Western Reserve University

Saturday, August 3rd 2002

For more than 20 years now, Case Western Reserve University has been home to the day long free concert known as Studio A Rama.  The event, done as a thank you for listeners of Case radio station WRUW, features a nationally known act as its headliner with several excellent local bands rounding out the bill.

Although I didn't actually show up until 6 pm, I got to hear all the action starting at 2 pm simulcast on WRUW.  Crash of 59 kicked things off with a set of high energy punk, followed by two extreme metal bands, Soulless and All That is Evil.  Then the Bomb Builders served up some more punk delivered with an audience baiting attitude reminiscent of Fear.

I finally made it down in time to see gothic black metal band Somnus.  Despite the beautiful sunny day, they did their best to bring a little darkness to the occasion.  There's a lot of bands doing this style of music these days, but Somnus managed to stand out from the crowd with solid musicianship and good songwriting.

Fast Mattress followed with a fun set of keyboard driven garage rock.  I'm a sucker for this style and they played it well, clearly enjoying themselves on stage.  Although the sound was retro, what I could make out of the lyrics sounded more contemporary. 

Next up was a country band, The Dirty Bottom Boys.  This wasn't the sort of watered down drivel that passes for country today, though.  These guys play an old school honky tonk style that comes from the heart.

The crowd was getting pretty big and the sun had gone down by the time Viva Caramel came on, and the group clearly satisfied most of the fans in attendance.  I'm personally not a big fan of modern indie rock but regardless, these guys were tight and professional. 

Finally, headliners Guided By Voices closed the evenings festivities.  As with Viva Caramel, these guys aren't really my cup of tea.  Considering the enthusiastic crowd response, however, these guys don't need my approval anyway. 

Overall, WRUW and Case deserve to be praised for putting on a great event.  There was a casual party atmosphere the whole time, and despite the BYOB policy which many attendees took advantage of, I didn't see anyone get stupid drunk and cause problems.  If you missed it, don't kick yourself too bad.  Just make sure you're there next year.