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Bad Religion - New Maps of Hell (Deluxe)

“ABC No Rio shows never start on time,” a friend of mine said as we made our way downtown to the NYC community center. Being my first time attending a 3 P.M. Saturday matinee show there, I didn’t exactly pay that comment much mind until we were a half-hour past the scheduled start time, waiting outside, and having only one band show up so far (NYC’s the Killtakers). Nonetheless, a six dollar price tag for any show is a steal, and time didn’t seem like too much of an issue anymore as soon as a van sporting California plates parked nearby, signaling the arrival of BYO Records’ Nothington. The band emerged and quickly started loading their gear (some of which still has the name Tsunami Bomb on it) into ABC’s gallery room where the bands perform.

Having a copy of the band’s excellent debut record All In, I was really looking forward to see how their live show would match up. Batting lead off, the band was ready to go as singer Jay Northington wished the crowd a happy Cinco de Mayo, followed by them tearing into set opener “Something New.” They sounded incredibly tight. Northington’s Tom Waits-esque growl retained all of the abrasive qualities it does on CD, complimenting their style of southern rock 'n’ roll punk extremely well. From there, they charged into “Going Home” with bass player Mike Hicks doing his best Agent M imitation to fill her vocal part from the record. I found it amusing that they swapped “Mississippi” for “New York City” in the "moving west" lyric, since using NYC in the context of the song doesn’t work very well, but it was nice of them to give a shout to the home crowd. Their energy didn’t stop, the guitar and bass pounding heavy while drummer Gabe Lindmen’s rolls punctuated accordingly. The band plowed through “The Bottom Line,” “Awake for Days” (allowing second vocalist Chris to take lead for a bit), “This Means War,” “The Last Time” and closed their segment with a rousing rendition of CD opener “Where I Stand."

During Nothington’s set, the Gaslight Anthem and Fake Problems had finally made their way to the venue and it looked like we weren’t going have a truncated show after all. Next in line however was the Queens-based band the Killtakers. I didn’t know any of their material prior to the show (which was odd being that they’re local), but they played a very good set as well. The energy and enthusiasm which was started by Nothington was definitely continued with their performance, blasting through roughly eight or so songs. Their core sound has a fair amount of Hot Water Music influence, which I can solidify saying as I listen to their EP which they gave out free at the show. They definitely opened with the song “Boiling Point” from said EP, as the tempo change which appears midway through the song is unmistakably recognizable.

After winning a friendly argument with Fake Problems over who had to headline (both bands seemed to want this spot for whatever reason), New Jersey’s the Gaslight Anthem took the stage. With the recent buzz and positive word of mouth groundswell surrounding these guys, I can see them developing a sizable following very soon. They evoked the biggest crowd response of the afternoon, their songs launching ardent sing-alongs from a portion of fans hanging on the words lead singer Brian Fallon bellowed out. Their set was undeniably fantastic, playing a number of songs off their upcoming full-length Sink or Swim including CD and set opener “Boomboxes and Dictionaries,” the Samiam reminiscent “Wooderson,” “I’d a Called You Woody Joe,” “Drive,” “We Came to Dance” -- a song which wouldn’t be out of place on a Lucero record, and closer “We're Getting a Divorce, You Keep the Diner.” They also played a new tune to appear on a later disc entitled “Senora and the Queen.” The depth the band exhibits in their material is quite something, each of their songs sounding just as diverse and impassioned as the previous.

Florida’s Fake Problems were the final band of the day, and though they had a bit of a diminished crowd to work with (a lot of people seemed to take off after Gaslight finished up), they still rocked their blend of Against Me! and Defiance, Ohio-inspired folk-punk loud and raucously for whoever stuck around to watch them. I didn’t know a ton of their material beforehand, but on my commute back to Long Island I was having a hard time getting “Born and Raised” out of my head. They played exceptionally well too, keeping the steady flow of power and liveliness evident as each of the other bands who also had played. Unfortunately for them there were a ton of technical problems during their set. Early on the mic cut out in one of their songs, greatly hampering the vocals, the bass player got an electric shock from a speaker which practically brought him to his knees, and the guitar player’s amp pretty much died out on him for some reason. They got help from the guys in Gaslight though, Brian literally jumping behind them to hold a portion of the guitar player’s amp in place so they could keep playing. Soon after that, Gaslight’s guitar player Alex helped replace the defective part and the rest of the set finally went undisturbed.

Set list (from paper):

  1. motion of the ocean
  2. maestro of the rebellious symphony
  3. life's a drink, get thirsty
  4. sorry, ok, sorry, ok
  5. born and raised
  6. oh maria [followed by a fast rendition of it]
  7. cannonball
  8. heck yeah summer!
  9. to repel ghosts
Despite the show beginning an hour and a half late, the quality of the performances each band exhibited were of significant magnitude. It’s very rare that you’re able to come away from a show so satisfied with how every single one of them performed, and this afternoon a prime example of that. Each of these bands played with a distinct love of what they were doing and were having a great time playing their songs. Hopefully years down the line each of these acts will still play as well as they did at this show.



People who liked this also liked:
Lifetime - Jersey's Best DancersGaslight Anthem - Sink or SwimBlink 182 - Blink 182Fake Problems - Spurs and Spokes / Bull > MatadorEarth Stood Still - ConveyanceCloak/Dagger - We AreBrand New - Your Favorite WeaponRonen Kauffman - New Brunswick, New Jersey, Goodbye: Bands, Dirty Basements and the Search [book]Strung Out - Blackhawks Over Los AngelesBlink 182 - Enema of the State



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    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 11:19 PM (EDT)

    eh...im a killtaker and last time i checked...*looks in kitchen*..yeah, um..i dont do dishes.

    gaslight and fake problems are both great. period.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 11:58 AM (EDT)

    the killtakers love to hang out and do dishes too!

    Posted by GNM on 2007-05-13 07:19:35

    So... Normally, I don't post on this, but these guys stayed at my house the night after their show in Greenwood and I wasn't able to talk to them before they left. Overall, the gaslight kids rule. They will leave your house clean and are respectful of your space. They have come through town 3 times and have always been awesome. Fake Problems kids not so much. They spend more time on myspace or using gps to find McDonalds than actually talking or hanging out with any of us. I guess its immaturity or something. Whatever. If you do a house show for 'em just be cautious if your looking to hang out. Your gonna have to end up picking up after them. As far as live show Gaslight > Fake Problems by a longggg shot...

    Posted by BHS on 2007-05-11 17:09:05
    My Score:

    "The fact that the reviewer had not heard of these guys before somewhat miffs me as I can't imagine someone that considers them self on the cusp of the music scene in NYC could have avoided such an active group with such a strong catalog of music to boast."

    what are you talking about? I never once said anything remotely along the lines of me "being on the cusp of the music scene in NYC". I just said that I was surprised I hadn't heard of them before. I'm from also Long Island and not NYC and I meant "local" in the sense that they're in relatively close proximity.

    and yeah, i may have never heard of them before but now that i have i can say i'm a fan of their music. i can't really do much else regarding me not having heard of them in the past.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 11, 2007 at 1:43 PM (EDT)

    Unfortunately, I missed this show but the Killtakers truly are the cream of the crop in the realm of up and comers in NYC. Every time I have seen them live, the energy is at a fever pitch and the sound is always clean. The dual harmonies and powerful pace changes make for some extremely entertaining music. The fact that the reviewer had not heard of these guys before somewhat miffs me as I can't imagine someone that considers them self on the cusp of the music scene in NYC could have avoided such an active group with such a strong catalog of music to boast.

    Great job guys, keep it up

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 11, 2007 at 11:14 AM (EDT)

    I Absolutely Love The Killtakers! I wasn't able to make this show on Cinco de Mayo but I'm diehard fan of theirs so I've been to great majority of show NYC. They're amazing live and heartiest bunch of guys you'll ever meet. Funny you've never heard of their stuff before the show because they've been playing here for years! I also had the chance to see the with Gaslight Anthem not to long ago at Brooklyn's Trash and they were awesome as well.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 11, 2007 at 4:11 AM (EDT)

    no worries man, i guess we believe that as long as we can afford to give out our merch at shows we will do it.

    i'm really sorry that the CD gave you problems that sucks.... you can download the record here: http://www.thekilltakers.com/music/this_is_what_we_are/ or our old one is up too here: http://www.thekilltakers.com/music/your_not_punk/

    damn i'm drunk

    Posted by BHS on 2007-05-10 23:26:24
    My Score:

    hey killtakers

    the cd is really awesome, thanks so much for handing it out. i would have gone into a bit more detail but i tired to keep this review strictly to the show.

    i'll definitely try and see you guys again sometime soon. keep up the great tunes.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-05-10 20:44:27

    I just have to say a big whopping thank you to the Killtakers for booking this show. It was a great time and an equally great lineup, easily one of the best shows I've been to this year so far!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 8:31 PM (EDT)

    I liked the cd, but it didn't work on my computer or car CD player. I kept getting errors. So the reviewer ripped it and sent it to me. Good stuff.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 8:16 PM (EDT)

    hey thanks for including us in the review that was really awesome of you. never said if you liked the EP you got.

    mikey killtaker

    Posted by ChrisGrivet on 2007-05-10 17:52:49

    Obligatory plug:

    If you liked the Killtakers, come see them play at Lit Lounge next Friday (5.18) with Action Toolbelt, The Erase- Hers, The Steinways and For Science.

    Coincidentally, the show is $6, which is "a steal for any show".

    Posted by BHS on 2007-05-10 16:42:12
    My Score:

    "of the article: your grammar and organization is awful but your description is brilliant. essay writing is an art but youve managed to totally over look the details. edit, proofread, hackers pocket grammatical manual...something. anything."

    "of the article: your grammar and organization is awful but your description is brilliant. essay writing is an art but youve managed to totally over look the details. edit, proofread, hackers pocket grammatical manual...something. anything."

    I appreciate the criticism but I don't really see what you're getting at. How else would I have organized the review other then going through each band who played? I also considerably cut down a ton of filler when I was putting together the review and I wanted to keep it as straight forward and to the point as possible. I also don't see anything horrendously wrong with the grammar, but I also don't consider myself a champion of writing.

    Thanks for your comments though, I'll keep them in mind for future stuff.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 4:02 PM (EDT)


    of the people commenting on this article: "fag" and "nigger" are not acceptable language if you are intending represent yourself as an intelligent human being.

    I was being sarcastric. Most people got that.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-05-10 15:53:50

    of the article: your grammar and organization is awful but your description is brilliant. essay writing is an art but youve managed to totally over look the details. edit, proofread, hackers pocket grammatical manual...something. anything.

    Give the kid a break with grammar, it was his first show review for this site.

    Posted by atrabilious on 2007-05-10 13:32:53

    of the killtakers: good friends of mine and even better musicians. my heart, my heart, my heart.
    of the other bands: heard your stuff, enjoyed. keep it up.
    of the people commenting on this article: "fag" and "nigger" are not acceptable language if you are intending represent yourself as an intelligent human being.
    of the article: your grammar and organization is awful but your description is brilliant. essay writing is an art but youve managed to totally over look the details. edit, proofread, hackers pocket grammatical manual...something. anything.

    i dont even have to go to shows any more. you see? its all on the internet.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 1:30 PM (EDT)

    I was at this show and agree. All the bands were great. Its rare when that happens, especially in this city.

    I overheard a few of the Killtakers talking to the people running ABC after the show about setting up a benefit for a new PA. Hope they do. Ill be there.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 11:13 AM (EDT)

    good show, first time for fake problems and nothington, both awesome bands! been to just about every gaslight/killtaker show they never cease to amaze me. looking forward to seeing how these bands prosper.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 10:40 AM (EDT)

    killtakers rule for making this show happen. i hear they are putting out a couple new 7 inches soon.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 3:10 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    tom gabel could have maybe enjoyed this show if he wasn't locked up for drunk driving and anti semitic comments. "You fags and jews are all alike! You all have shit pouring out yo mouths!" Throw away the key.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 5:29 PM (EDT)

    Where's you hear that, nigger kook?

    -Against Me.

    P.S. Also you're a faggot.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 3:14 PM (EDT)

    Are fake problems racists like their idols in Against Me?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 6:24 AM (EDT)

    Were you the one in the 1234 Go sweatshirt?

    Posted by zxc92 on 2007-05-08 22:19:43

    yea, I have to agree with everyone, this show was great. all of the bands played great sets, but fake problems impressed me most.

    Posted by 1234go on 2007-05-08 20:56:42
    My Score:

    Strangely enough I was there...and stuck in the same traffic with Gaslight Anthem. It took us two hours to get from Jersey to ABC No Rio! Heinous. And there wasn't really a struggle for the "headlining" spot. There was just confusion over what band had all it's members present and were actually ready to play. Anyway it was a good show and the bathroom was remarkably cleaner than I had been lead to believe that the ABC No Rio facilities were.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 8:49 PM (EDT)

    Did anyone see the Pilfers reunion show at Knitting Fctory NYC this weekend?

    I heard it was great.

    And this show sounds...well....it just sounds swell.

    Posted by Dante3000 on 2007-05-08 19:43:01

    Jay Northington smells like Ranch Dressing, fact.
    -Dante

    Posted by ChokingVictim on 2007-05-08 15:11:09

    Jesus, that is an incredible lineup. 3 amazing up-and-coming bands and one local band that, though I have not heard, sounds pretty good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 1:51 PM (EDT)

    Sickboi,

    I was also at the DC show. I no doubt remember you, considering there were only like 10 people there who weren't in one of the bands, and I'm pretty sure you were the only guy taking pictures.

    I was the only guy up front who wasn't you, and wasn't in Fake Problems.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-05-08 13:42:33

    i'm kinda surprised that nothington opened. they could have easily closed that show. i'm sure it was an awesome show though. nothington and fake problems are really good.

    Ditto to what sickboi said below me.

    Also though, as it said in the review, Fake Problems and Gaslight were both extremely late showing up so it was an hour and a half past the original slated start time with only the local band and Nothington. The Killtakers booked this show, they probably figured the out of town touring band that happened to be there should play first between the two bands that WERE there at the time.

    Posted by sickboi on 2007-05-08 12:59:43

    i'm kinda surprised that nothington opened. they could have easily closed that show. i'm sure it was an awesome show though. nothington and fake problems are really good.

    Why? They area West Coast band, and are fairly new. Fake Problems are east coast, and Gaslight are Jersey. So obviously one of them would headline.

    Posted by screeching_bottlerocket on 2007-05-08 12:36:54

    i'm kinda surprised that nothington opened. they could have easily closed that show. i'm sure it was an awesome show though. nothington and fake problems are really good.

    Posted by sickboi on 2007-05-08 11:15:06

    I also posted some pics from the DC show:

    Gaslight Anthem/Fake Problems-DC

    Posted by sickboi on 2007-05-08 09:47:39

    Caught this show (minus Nothington) in DC Sunday. Great tour featuring two awesome bands. Gaslight played a similar set, as did Fake Problems, except they included "Real Problems", which is easily their best song.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 7:41 AM (EDT)

    Also on the Fake Problems set list was the name "Adam". I don't know what that means.

    Posted by baptist_general on 2007-05-08 04:03:00

    i'm looking forward to seeing The Gaslight Anthem when they make it over here september time...

    sounds like good times are to be had

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 12:38 AM (EDT)

    Nothington is the bast band on this bill.

    Posted by AlmostPunkENough on 2007-05-08 00:16:26
    My Score:

    instead of going to this on Saturday, i slept until 4 and then went to get Tacos.... i'm not very smart.

    score is for how awesome i'm sure it was. and for previously mentioned tacos (not Taco Bell, real shit.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-05-08 00:09:34
    My Score:

    This show was awesome and tons of fun. All the bands played great sets.

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