Act: Monotonix

Where: "Mess With Texas" day party at Waterloo Park

What It Was Like: Absolute insanity. The music itself is pretty good; punk-edged, sleazy hard-rock. What sets the band apart from any other I saw during the entire festival was the members' complete disregard for their own safety. This was not a mere rock show. It was a war against monotony, and they were ready to make any sacrifice. Singer Ami Shalev climbed the lighting rig, dove into the crowd, crowd-surfed standing on a floor tom and stuck his microphone up his ass--only to put it to his lips moments later. Even more impressive than the stuntman acrobatics, though, was when he actually managed to get the frenzied crowd near the stage to sit down during a quiet moment. Because the band spent the entire show wading through and surfing on top of the audience, it was the only moment when Shalev could be clearly seen by most of the crowd. Otherwise, he was usually just a blur of hair and sweat seen in glimpses through a chaotic screen of arms and cameras.

Verdict: Inspiring. The way they threw themselves into their performance with such disregard of their own safety and trust of the audience was nothing short of spectacular.

Coitus Interruptus: When the sound was cut mid-song, Shalev proudly proclaimed that it was the third time in three sets that the band was stopped short. Dunno if that's something to be proud of--any jackass can just keep playing past his scheduled stop time. [Dallas Observer]

Is that what he said? I couldn't understand what he meant, except, after thanking the large audience for all their support, something about playing way less SXSW shows this year, but that of the three they did play they set a new world record... for getting cut short I guess?

They played right before the Circle Jerks. More Monotonix pics below...

Continue reading "Monotonix @ Mess With Texas 2009 in Austin (SXSW) - pics"

AUSTIN, TX - Transmission Entertainment is proud to announce this year's Fun Fun Fun Festival line-up. In the tradition of years past, FFF08 once again teams punk rock legends with the hottest indie buzz bands, crowd-pleasing dance and hip-hop acts, and cutting-edge comedians. Fun Fun Fun Fest will be held November 8 and 9 at Waterloo Park in downtown Austin, TX. A two-day pass will be $59.99, available through FrontgateTickets.com. Children under 10 get in free and discounts will be made available to all students.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The National, Magnetic Morning, Clipse, Walter Schreifels, Flipper, Bad Brains, ALL, Dead Milkmen, St Vincent, Deerhoof, Trail of Dead, and Dan Deacon are just some of the many bands on the four stage bill....

Continue reading "Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008 lineup - Nov 8-9 in Austin, Texas "