Review and photo by Kristine Wales
I got thinking about something 2 days ago: I haven’t seen many big name bands.
(I am in NO way taking a shot at local or smaller acts. The people in these bands will let me shoot my photos until I’m happy, they have the time to really interact after a show, and in a lot of ways they seem more real.)
But on October 4th, I got to add to my limited pool of big name bands, because D.O.A were at the Casbah. Supported by a debuting 413s and a reunited Hammerboiz, it was a solid night of amazing Canadian punk rock.
1st Band: 413s
There are some punks that would like to pretend that no music came before the Great Year Of 1977.
Not me, and certainly not the 413s.
Yes, they play punk rock. But they also mix in some AMAZING 1950’s rockabilly. It was like watching Buddy Holly and the Ramones play together and making it sound fantastic.
To add to the excitment, it was their debut show. I ask them to please continue, as they combine two of my favorite decades in music.
10 out of 10.
2nd Band: Hammerboiz
Where bands are concerned, the word ‘reunion’ always makes me nervous/nauseous. So many have been utter failures to me, and embarassing to watch.
The Hammerboiz were anything but that.
With a new singer, they tore up the Casbah with their brand of fierce, cool brand of punk.
11 years seems to have had no effect on the band, as they played seamlessly tight while some of the crowd moshed in front of them.
Thanks for making Hamilton proud. Once again.
10 out of 10.
3rd Band: D.O.A
I’ll give credit where it is due. Americans had the first punk bands.
BUT CANADIANS DID IT BETTER.
Case in point: D.O.A.
Yes, I am a fan of bands and artists from Europe and America. But Canadian music comes first to me.
There is something unique in D.O.A, if you think back to when punk was REALLY shocking.
Compared to the Diodes, they were something you could never close your mouth to if you watched them. They say things that not everyone will like, and that sits alright with them because it’s their truth.
I am proud to report that they were brilliant. Their songs were politicial, fast, and had me laughing and thinking.
Ha ha America. Hardcore punk is something else we beat you at.
10 out of 10.
