this one

Scene Report
By Duncan Barlow

October was a very dry month for the all-ages scene here in Louisville, and November has proved to be equally as dry.

The first show that took place since my last column was the Gwar show at the Brewery. The first band of the evening was Buzzoven, from Richmond, Va. I have seen this band perform several times over the last couple of years, but never as well as on this night. If you enjoy bands like Neurosis or the Melvins, then I think that Buzzoven is right down your alley.

The next band of the evening was the legendary Dickies. This band has probably influenced the entire punk scene whether you like them or not. As long as there have been punk shows there has been the Dickies. Well, the band has gotten sloppy in their old age. Actually, in conversing with the singer of Buzzoven, I found that the Dickies' bassist and drummer quit the band two days prior to this show due to the singer's heroin addiction. The road crew learned the songs and replaced the quitting members. If you didn't know who the Dickies were, chances are that you probably wouldn't like them after this show.

The last band of the night, also from Richmond, Va., was Gwar. I have seen Gwar five times prior to this show, and I can be the first to say that they are not as good as they used to be. But seeing all of the tough guys file out of the door during the first song would have been enough to make anyone happy. Honestly, Gwar was fairly good. I don't care for the new material, but seeing Gwar in all of their perverse splendor is always nice. In case you are not familiar with Gwar, they are the rock group whose members dress like aliens and spew artificial body fluids all over the crowd.

The next show to take place in October was two days before Halloween. The first band to play was Hedge. They played through their set with energy that is usually only met by athletes. The rented public address system was not of the best quality, so I think that their set suffered from that, but they still seemed to please the crowd.

The next band was Wino. This show was Wino's first one, and they played very well. Wino seemed to have a very heavy interest in sounding like bands that release records on Touch and Go, a record label from Chicago. I think that the crowd really enjoyed this band, and I would bet that it will be one hundred times more successful than their last band together, MFBS.

One band without a name played four punk-sounding songs, including a Descendents cover. Not very tight, but fun nonetheless.

Thou Shalt Kill followed, and I would have to say they scared the all-ages crowd to death. This band has the potential to write some really good material, but next to every good song they wrote the band would play a really rough song that sounded like they were joking. I would suggest keeping an eye on these guys, if not for shock value then definitely to see what sound they will pull out of their sleeve next.

The night was closed out by the band I sing for, Guilt. There was actually a band that showed up late, and they were going to play after Guilt, but the show was shut down during Guilt's fifth song when a fight broke out in the crowd. The fight grew out of hand so quickly that part of the PA system was destroyed by mistake. Guilt quit playing as soon as the fight began, and then the management of the Highland post pulled the plug on the whole event. One of my biggest problems with Guilt is that people assume that simply because our music is heavy that it is okay to dance violently. Well, let me take this opportunity to say that as long as people complain about being violated by violent dancing, then it is wrong. Guilt would like to apologize to anyone who was angry about the short set, and thank anyone who has supported the band.

Okay, the final show of this section was Falling Forward. The first band of the evening was Die 116, which has improved one million times since last year. Die 116 is from New York, and is currently touring with Louisville's Metroschifter. Louisville's all-ages scene generally prefers lighter listening, but I think most people enjoyed the band.

Metroschifter played next. The amount of technical difficulties during their set would amaze anyone. But that did not stop the band from playing all of the songs on the record, plus a few other goodies. The crowd really enjoyed the set.

Falling Forward was last. This was the main attraction of the night, the main reason the crowd crossed the river to go to the Grand in New Albany. It was the first opportunity I have had to see the new lineup, and I think it went well. I do not think there was as much emotion as usual, but I know that growing popularity and demand can take their toll on bands. Falling Forward is a good band, and if you haven't seen them yet you should give them a try.

Endpoint will be playing a final show with an original Sunspring reunion, Crain, and Shift from New York at the Brewery on Dec. 30. If you haven't seen Endpoint or Sunspring, this will be your last chance. Or just come and say your last goodbyes.

Slamdek will be releasing SDK 39 to give Louisville a real scare. Blacklisted released a seven-inch on a Chicago label.

Well, that is all for this month; perhaps December will have more shows and more local music to write about. Thanks for reading.