A Punk’s Night Out
Change is inevitable and going to happen whether you want it to or not. Tonight brought forth a change you can see from the pictures with Yucca no longer having the black curtain behind the stage. I think it helps the stage look brighter and better, although based on the more than usual feedback has the audio bouncing around the room. The new look was brought with some of the fastest, loudest punk I’ve seen at the Yucca Tap Room tonight.
Opening up was the band Thurston, who I’ve followed on Instagram but this was my first time seeing live. They have a garage rock, indie sound going with a punk energy. Speaking of sound, one of the cool things that Craig does is use his pedal board to turn on and off bass output from his guitar. The duo alternates lead vocals too, so there is no one lead singer for this band. It was great to finally catch Thurston, and hope to do it more this year.
Following them was the faster paced Contradiktion. Tonight they played some of the new songs they are working to release in the future, and it was like they turned the throttle up. It was more of a raw, faster punk sound than I have been used to in the past on the old Condtradiktion songs. Not to mention, either the lack of curtain to absorb the sound of the drums or the faster pace revealed that Meatbag, their drummer, hammers those drums. I enjoyed the set a bunch, and my anticipation to hear the new Contradiktion album has increased dramatically after tonight.
The band with the throttle always up there was Skull Drug. This foursome did the standard I expect from them, high energy and loudest punk band of the night. They always have a bunch of fun on stage while playing. However, the banter to the crowd seemed less than usual, but Justin playing guitar while on the ground was still on par. Perhaps it was the lack of stockings and a kilt on Evan tonight that was the difference. Regardless, I always love catching Skull Drug play because I know it’s going to be a fun night if they are on the bill.
Up last was Fea for my second time in about three months. Since then I’ve listened to their self-titled album multiple times. I love the sound and energy Fea put into it. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it last time they played, but watching Jenn on bass was awesome tonight. She has flair to it. The band has a great stage presence, including the choreographed dancing to parts of multiple songs of their set. Letty left the stage at one point to just dance around in the crowd with another fan. These gals and guy are fantastic to watch every time I catch them, so plan to again the next time Fea hit town.
