For some reason I was in a bad mood, but I decided that moping about the house wasn't going to do me any good, so I caught a bus down Portage and made my way down to the Preston Manor. I arrived early and visited with the folks who were already gathering for the show. It wasn't long before the out-of-towners arrived (ACTS OF SEDITION from the Bay area and NORDIC WASTE from Duluth), and after they settled in and got some grub from show promoter Andy Bloom, some introductions were made.
The moment Dan approached me I recognized him from his other band SURRENDER. With that band unable to tour, he dropped everything he was doing to pick up guitar and hit the road with ACTS OF SEDITION. My band had played a squat in Oakland back in 2005. It would be nice to finally catch the band live again. Dan's a conversive guy and we ended up chatting about everything from fantasy author Steven Erikson to growing older in the punk scene and observing how everyone handles an evolution or abandonment of lifestyle in their own way, and that can be difficult to understand or deal with at times.
Me? Why, I still go to shows. In many cases, it's because I love the bands. Something that's given me a reinvigorated passion for live punk music is the pursuit of my photography.
The dark, chaotic environment of a punk--particularly a basement--show is a challenge for me, and when I hit the mark, it's a rush. Some say that a photograph captures someone's soul, and as cheesy as that sounds, I think there is an element of truth to that. I provided homecare for a guy named Don Watkins. Now about five years after his death, I see a lot of him in me. The stubbon, irrational behavior... the answers to questions that don't match up like they do for others... He enforced upon me that shooting a camera is like shooting a gun. Surely the ritualistic use of a firearm is some serious soul-sucking, so why not for a camera?
I'm 32 now. I'm appreciative of those who've stayed dedicated to the live music scene, and I can get a charge of the enthusiasm of the younger generations. It's hard to relate to many of the younger kids at times but holding a camera allows me to be content as the silent observer. The only problem is that I'm not always content in that role. That's fine, because I have my bands for an aggressive outlet...
This wandering trail of thought isn't going anywhere, just so you know. And the photographs I took this night aren't very good at all. Still, something was captured, so here's a few shots that got away but still left their mark.
NO FUN @ the Preston Manor in Winnipeg, Canada
SEARCH+DESTROY
NORDIC WASTE
ACTS OF SEDITION
Dan from ACTS OF SEDITION recruits local Ari to... make some noise while a bandmate deals with a technical difficulty.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Acts Of Sedition, Nordic Waste, Search+Destroy, Modern Problems and No Fun - April 26, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
the Gorgon, Search + Destroy and the Sweet Nothings - April 3, 2008
THE SWEET NOTHINGS @ the Royal Albert in Winnipeg, Canada
SEARCH + DESTROY @ the Royal Albert in Winnipeg, Canada
THE GORGON @ the Royal Albert in Winnipeg, Canada
The rest of Jason Penner's photographs from this show can be viewed here.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Review: BORN BAD - Moron Music EP
Released just in time for the Winnipeg band's 2007 X-mas tour spreading ill cheer throughout the US, Moron Music is BORN BAD's sophomore effort, and a solid one at that. Six tracks of nihilistic mosh-inducing hardcore punk, featuring UNDER PRESSURE guitarist Mike Requiema on vocals and Paul Phillips from SEARCH + DESTROY handling double duty behind the kit. The recording is improved over the first self-titled EP. I was fortunate enough to gt a copy of the tour press, which includes the standard issue sleeve but also a great layout illustrated by Ryan Trudeau (SEARCH + DESTROY). This is gruff and to-the-point shit. The first comparison that comes to mind is DEAD NATION. I think that has to do with its bountiful negativity towards everything. BORN BAD started off more of a studio project but has become more serious and is now a staple of the Winnipeg live experience. If you get a chance, check them out. They throw down with plenty of comedy and tragedy.
(2007, Fashionable Idiots - http://www.fashionableidiots.com)
Track Listing:
A: "Society Bullshit" "Follower" "Kill The Punks"
B: "Intro/Excessive Force" "No Tomorrow" "Washed Up"
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Review: SEARCH + DESTROY - s/t EP
Awesome sleeve, drawn by the band's singer. Shouldn't be too hard to spot in a store or distro. Just look for the shower room cocks. SEARCH + DESTROY have been a staple of Winnipeg's thriving punk scene for the last few years but have really elevated their game more recently with the addition of Alex on bass and Guy's move from bass to guitar. This is their debut; 8 tracks of raw hardcore punk with attitude. Much of that attitude if fueled by Ryan's snotty vocals, and lively stage presence. He comes across as something of a cross between Joey Ramone (well, in appearance, with his long hair) and BLACK FLAG-era Keith Morris. Songs deal with staples; isolation, disillusionment, violence, being stuck in monotony. I can't wait to hear this band's next record. And for anyone interested in checking out Winnipeg's punk scene, give this record a shot.
(2007, Clarence Thomas Records - http://www.bistrodistro.com)
Track Listing:
A: "Room To Breathe" "Growing Paints" "You'll Get Yours" "Fear"
B: "Nervous Wreck" "Last Gasp" "Sleep Walking" "Box Spring"
