Before Dishonor

photos by Tim Griffin, words by BBG

D.R.I.

Nearing 30 years in the industry, D.R.I. took the stage shortly before midnight and played till 1:37 a.m., setting off a flurry of bodysurfing from the pent-up teenage-and 20-somethings in the crowd seconds before the first song even began... No matter the viewing point, songs such as "The Application" and "Slumlord" were enjoyed by the youngsters with a fury of moshing angst, and by the older crowd with relaxed appreciation. After original singer Kurt Brecht pointed out that D.R.I. played its first show in 1982, he and original guitarist Spike Cassidy, longtime drummer Rob Rampy and bassist Harald Oimoen also delivered the goods on "Suit and Tie Guy" and closers "The Five-Year Plan" and "Violent Pacification" -[Examiner]

That review comes from D.R.I.'s San Antonio date at White Rabbit, the day after they got all romantic with an Austin crowd at Emo's (on 2/14 aka Valentine's Day). With the lights dimmed and turned red, the Austin crowd swayed to the sexy sounds of the Houston crossover legends alongside Death Angel, Lazarus A.D. & Bonded By Blood, and with Before Dishonor & Southern Front adding a little hometown sensuality.

Austin & San Antonio were rare dates that converged two tours, D.R.I. and Death Angel/Lazarus A.D./Bonded By Blood. The D.R.I. tour continues on and the band will play Starland Ballroom on 2/27 with Mucky Pup before looping back afer European and South American tours to play Gramercy on 5/13 with Apathy & Horrifier. Death Angel's tour does not include an NYC date, but it does include a show at Scion Rock Fest (no BbB or LAD).