The show was at the Redwood Bar—a pirate-themed bar and grille—with the best food in Downtown L.A. (I suggest the calamari and beer battered fish and chips.) Since its opening, the Redwood has hosted more than its fair share of punk rock shows and this night was no different. I arrived in time to catch local Highland Park favorites, The Gears. Always entertaining, they played an upbeat set featuring songs like “Pogo,” “Elk’s Lodge,” “End of the World,” and “Dope.” The few people there were happy and dancing.
The set ended abruptly and the place became packed, waiting to see Scream (Not the L.A. band The Scream. The DC one. The good one.) It was an array of old schoolers, new schoolers, and even ex-Scream member David Grohl (who is currently fighting a lot of Foo).
I was lucky to see Scream earlier this week at an afterparty held at the iconic Club Lingerie. It was a great show, but something told me this one would be better. Maybe it was because there were less stereotypical Hollywood types and more who were there for the right reason: the music.
One of the best bands of the DC Hardcore music movement was back with their original lineup of Pete Stahl, Franz Stahl, Skeeter Thompson, Kent Stax, and even Robert Lee Davidson (of Angelstorm). The years may have rolled by, but the attitude, energy, and music was as great as the first time I was introduced to the band. The set list included an awesome mix of oldies but goodies and some commendable new stuff. Songs included “Hygiene,” “Fight/American Justice,” “Human Behavior,” “Amerarockers,” “New Song,” and some new songs.
I candidly enjoyed their new material just as much as the original favorites. The melodies ranged from raw hardcore to reggae. Frontman Pete Stahl went right into mixing it up with the audience by crowd surfing and singing along with the fans.
It’s always great going to shows without snappers (individuals who cannot conduct themselves properly at shows). The set was tight, with no noticeable errors, and the sound was excellent. Franz, Skeeter, Kent, and Robert played without missing a beat. You’d think the band had never broken up in 1990.
In closing, it was an awesome show and I cannot wait until the next time they come to town.