I am a sucker for cheap things with maximum value. Thus I’m happy to report that if you’re looking for something to do on Saturday night that agrees with these trying economic times, and falls in suit with your need to party, Legion Fest seems like the best bet. This…
via myspace.com/bobbytakcharliepickettCharlie Pickett and Bobby TakHere’s a track from the forthcoming collaborative effort between some of South Florida’s most notorious, adept and unfortunately under-recognized musicians. We’re talking here about Bobby Tak (formerly of the Bobs and New Wave sensations the Cichlids), guitar master Charlie Pickett, and Ian Hammond (of the…
Blast From the Past is an occasional Crossfade column re-examining classic South Florida releases of yesteryear. Click here for past editions.This here little seven-inch record in its full Pepto Bismol-pink glory is very dear to my heart. When I moved to Miami in the early ’90s, I was fortunate enough…
Music Is a Weapon Unplug Your Mind (self-released) musicisaweaponband.com Music Is a Weapon has already proven its chops beyond simple question, and this EP is a natural progression for the outfit. It opens with the post-industrial/hardcore track “1968 the 2-Bit Hustler” and bleeds into a rocking, danceable “Benz and Bicycle.”…
This interview is with up-and-coming local DJ Matthew Andrews, a.k.a. MGA. Folks might know him from some downtown hotspots like the Vagabond, where he pops in for the occasional Friday set. His main gig, though, is holding it down in South Miami, at the long-running Shuffle Tuesdays party at Fox’s…
The HongsDelicate Tremors (Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator)twitter.com/thehongs There is something very delicate and ephemeral about the Hongs. Their music sounds like something that reverberates in hallways in those moments before sleep hits. I’m talking about serenity — because there is something very serene about this EP. It somehow manages…
Blast From the Past is a new occasional series on Crossfade, revisiting classic local albums from days of yore.Psycho Daisies, Sonicly SpeakingWe’re gonna kick these blasts from Florida’s past with a record that best exemplifies how easily the stuff gets lost in the swamp. I’m talking about one of the…
Furious Dudes Sons of Bitchin’ (self-released) facebook.com/furiousdudes Thrashy lo-fi garage punk is currently storming out of my speakers with a generous potential to wreck my somewhat capable system to abject shit. Wow. Though I can’t wholly get behind the moniker these guys have chosen for themselves (think of the jokes),…
Music is a WeaponUnplug Your Mind (Self-released)musicisaweaponband.com Music Is A Weapon has already proven its chops beyond simple question, and this EP is a natural progression for the outfit. It opens with the post – industrial – hardcore track “1968 the 2-Bit Hustler,” and bleeds into a rocking, danceable “Benz and…
Okay, we all know and understand that your in-boxes, Facebook message centers, fax machines, pagers, texts, and mailboxes have been flooded with information as to how help our brothers and sisters in Haiti following the devastating earthquake last week. So let’s be honest, is there really too much relief aid?…
via myspace.com/jayreatardJay ReatardRemember that retard guy with the moppy hair and flying-V guitar that was supposed to perform at Churchill’s last January but didn’t? You know? The guy from Memphis who called himself “Jay Reatard?” He died Wednesday, apparently in his sleep after complaining of flu-like symptoms. Isn’t that the…
via myspace.com/desordenpublicooficialDesorden PublicoI know for a fact that most of you, dear readers, like to have fun. Usually in a musical and beer-drenched setting, Hell, I like it too. I was born and raised in Venezuela and if there’s one thing you won’t read in the dailies, is how much…
Furious DudesSons of Bitchin’ (Self-released)facebook.com/furiousdudes Thrashy lo-fi garage punk is currently storming out of my speakers with the potential to turn my capable system to abject shit. Wow. Though I can’t wholly get behind the moniker these guys have chosen for themselves (think of the jokes), I do get completely…
Kreamy ‘Lectric Santa bridged the awkward end of the ’80s and the massive untamed wilderness of the ’90s local music scene, especially helping to cement Churchill’s Pub as the real musical hub of South Florida. But a spinal injury, relocation to Oakland, California, deaths, and dwindling finances have limited the…
Miami Bass WarriorsMiami Bass Warriors 12″(Palm Tree Snuff/¿Que Pasa M.I.A.?)You ever stand around and realize that you are completely surrounded by fucking children? Yeah, it happens… that’s how old age dawns upon you and it don’t matter how cool and with it your little record collection is, you’ll be hard-pressed…
Kreamy ‘Lectric SantaOperation Spacetime Cynderblock: “Four Riddles of the Spheres”(Starcleaner Records)It has been a very long time since the Kreamies have graced us with a full-length effort and what an incredibly delicious piece of wax it is. And though it has been ages, the spirit of this outfit permeates every…
Jacuzzi Boys/Woven Bones “The Countess”/”Grown Crazy” split Needless Records myspace.com/jacuzziboys Here’s another quality split from South Florida’s super-infectious Jacuzzi Boys and Orlando’s Woven Bones. More edgy, surreal guitars propel this 45 into the ne’er-do-well regions of the mind with solid results. Is it a coincidence that I’ve been singing Jacuzzi…
DJ Sire Esq. Allin Culture Kings myspace.com/sireesq Not only can DJ Sire Esq. drop a mean set at a local club but homeboy can still funk up, fuck up, and own tracks like nobody’s business. This disc features 34 reworked numbers that at times rock better than the originals. Together…
The always awesome Respectable Street Café hosted a classic Southern California trifecta Saturday, August 8, featuring: Agent Orange, D.I., and Fear. Younger punk acts Bloodhook and Total Chaos also played. The end result: Bloodhook good; Total Chaos not so much. D.I. took the stage early, tearing up their set with…
Arsonist In Constant Motion Self-released arsonistmusic.com This 11-track disc by local band Arsonist rocks with proper inflections of shoegaze, post-punk, Hialeah rock, and solid indie know-how. And Miami’s Rimsky lends vocals to two tracks. Awesome. Jorge Ubieta (bass/keys) and Alejandro Tuesta (drums) put down an almost whimsical rhythm foundation for…
Call It Radar We Need Our Friends to Be Closer (self-released) callitradar.com Tom Gorrio hung up the towel on Call It Radar not too long ago with the intention of taking his solo work on the road. Well, he did just that, but the power of Call It Radar still…
And Then There Was You And Then There Was You Indianola Records Myspace.com/attwy Powerful, melody-driven, three-and-a-half minute ditties propel this album above and beyond the muck of what has sadly become the post-punk/hardcore scene. The extremely adept rhythm section of Alex De Renzis (drums) and Steven Vasquez (bass) ably set…
