Vice Squad

VICE SQUAD
THE SKULLS • DISCONTENT • EL NADA
June, 2001 @ Hogue Barmicheals, Newport Beach CA 
Review By: Scott Harding 
Pictures By: Scott Harding  

     As most of you know, well that is if you are from around the area of Orange County CA, one of the best places to see rock’n bands was at Club Mesa. Club Mesa was a home away from home for many bands and people who enjoy great live talent. From bands like Fear to Fu Manchu, to Dayglo Abortions and hell even At The Drive In (rumor has it that’s where they got their big break). Club Mesa has seen them all. But Unfortunately Club Mesa closed their doors because the owner was reaching his golden years and decided it was time. This was a damper on show goers all around OC. But fear not. The man behind the great shows we all enjoyed at Club Mesa is still putting on the same great shows but at different locations. This man is Craig McGahey and he is responsible for the show Im about to review bu this time its not at Club Mesa but at Hogue Barmichael's in Newport Beach.

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     I have seen many shows at Hogue’s but from the start I noticed that it was packed more full than any time I have been here before. And it packed with punks! Right away I knew it was gonna be a killer show. The first band up goes by the name El Nada. These guys are fucking great and there are a few reasons why I feel this. I start with the obvious, they are all very talented musicians. They were all very tight and had that thick sound that not only you hear but you can feel. And they all did their part in singing, I love that in a band. There isn’t just one singer really, they all sang. You also can’t watch these guys without cracking up because they are always tossing out jokes and slams on each other. Very amusing! And they have the sound and humor of  bands like Manic Hispanic. Humor, spunk, force and all.  But don’t take my word for them, I suggest you get out and see them for yourself! Oh yeah, when I get off my lazy ass Ill post the interview I did with them. Its pretty funny.

     Discontent was the next band to damage the stage. Discontent is full of power and rage. Serious punk for the serious punker. Not only did these guys music shake the walls but they also made a few ears bleed. And it was one song after with these guys, no stopping for anything, well maybe a chug of beer here and there. So they jam away and finally the pit starts. And this is a very rare thing at Houge’s being that last time my band played there we got banned for starting a pit! Yup you can thank Craig and his crew for allowing the pit because his bouncers are cool and know how to handle such a thing. So it was free pitt’n for all! Very cool! Discontent played a solid set with absolutely no flaws. A very strong band, go check them out.

     Next up was the legendary The Skulls! These guys have been around for a very long time and they are still kicking. Unfortunately I was the only one covering the show and taking pictures and interviewing bands so I only saw one song from them because I was out interviewing El Nada. But the little I did get to see of them was pretty impressive. And it seemed that the whole load of people there enjoyed their set because there was more beer spilt on the ground and a large pit than when I left to do the interview. That’s a good sign.

Vice Squad and El Nada
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     And now it was time for Vice Squad! Although they have been around for about 2 decades a have released a mass amount of albums, this was the first time I have seen them. Hell, it’s not like they come out here that often so seeing them these days is most certainly a treat! As the band members took the stage the max capacity crowd started to get excited. And then they started! First of all I have to say that they sound so great and its no wonder why they have lasted this long. And I have to admit Beki is sure look’n fine! DAMN! And not only look’n fine but she is sounding better than ever. They played just about something from every album they have put out. From Black Sheep to Get a Life, it was all there. They played for just about an hour or so! And when the smoke settled they stopped. But the crowed insisted they play more. So with the encouragement they came back on and kick out a few more.  What a night it was. Its rare when ya go to a show and every band from opening to headlining kicks ass. Hopefully we will see more shows put on by Craig in the near future. Although Club Mesa is closed you can still see what Craig is up to by going to www.clubmesa.com and soon you can visit www.tonedeafbooking.com.

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