Killer episode this week on the pod. Check it out here, here, or here and check the playlist here or here.
2005 was a weird year for me personally. My band In Control broke up at the end of 2004 and I was super burnt out and washed up. This is kinda the shape up or drop out stage for most people I think. You’ve been into hardcore for like a decade which feels like forever. You put your all into it and still feel unfulfilled. What’s the move?
There wasn’t a lot going on in the 805. The Living Room was gone. The Livery was gone. Ojai Women’s Club was gone. Nardcore Manor, Lazerstar, Pickle Patch, Skate Street - basically everywhere that had gigs during the IC era was gone. For our last show we spent a shit ton of money renting a VFW hall and the security we were forced to hire along with it. That wasn’t sustainable for a scene. So I mostly just worked, bought DVDs from Suncoast in the mall and drank a shit ton of MGDs at Take Five in Camarillo.
At the end of the year, we got Retaliate back together and played a gig at a spot called The Underground in Ventura which I believe lasted for just that show. In January of 2006, the Alpine in Ventura got going and the 805 was rejuvenated with a reliable all-ages spot through the end of 2007.
Here are our lists for 2005:
I dunno if it’s just thinking about 2005 or what but I’m feeling pretty burnt, so I don’t have much to write this time around.
Blacklisted “Tourist”
I love this era of Blacklisted. They sound so of the time and hadn’t really turned into a full formed version of themselves yet. It just sounds like prime Terror and American Nightmare mashed up and that’s a pretty good ‘05 combo.
Madball “HeavenHell”
This is probably the best Madball song of the Mitts era. Freddy shines here lyrically and there’s a monster mosh at the end.
86 Mentality “Chemical Threat”
86 Mentality doesn’t miss. How can you sound this burly and still have big hooks? These dudes sold their soul to the devil for sure. Respect.
Wisdom in Chains “Dragging Me Down”
WIC shines when they really lean into the oi/street punk side of things. This is their best song with one of the best choruses ever and a great guitar solo. Perfect song.
Donnybrook “Word is Bond”
This song rules. Fast verses. Big chorus. Catchy little guitar riff under the chorus. Big mosh on the end with some personality. Hell yea.
Let Down “Don’t Know Shit”
A one minute song that somehow has a pre-chorus, and that’s the best part cuz Bob sings fast as fuck. Y’all have have 20 years to study this. Why aren’t you singing this fast? There’s a real chorus too which also rules.
Easy Action “Friends of Rock & Roll”
John Brannon does it again. The 2nd Easy Action LP bodies the first and has a handful of certified bangers on it. I’d be lying if I said this song didn’t make more sense through the bottom of an empty glass, but it still goes so hard.
If you thought that we cared about you then I guess you were wrong
Well, damn. Alright then, John! Great opening line and classic song.
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- ZN