Record Hop | Sham 69 | Flametrick Subs (The Granada)
Record Hop will probably suffer from sore thumb syndrome tonight. Even Austin institution/punchline Flametrick Subs are somewhat of a mismatch to open for British punk legends, Sham 69. Flametrick Subs are a psychobilly band that's so weighted down with schtick, they probably can't tell where the pompadours and fuzzy die end and reality begins. They are known for their backup dancers called Satan's Cheerleaders, that make the average roller derby girl seem like Jackie Onassis. Sham 69 are actually one of the worst of the famous British punk bands. Record Hop is great and I've really wanted to hear more of the new material live, but tonight they'll standout simply by not completely sucking. I have my doubts about the crowd for these two acts sharing that sentiment, however. The Wax Museums | Eddy Current Suppression Ring | Cococoma | The Hipshakes | Stymie (Secret Headquarters)
Much younger bands and a much better show for those who are into garage and punk in Denton tonight. I can usually take or leave bands in the garage punk genre unless they completely rock out and are fucked up enough, and these acts seem like they won't disappoint. I've been trying to catch a Wax Museums show for a little while now, they sound really minimal and cool and at least a couple of their songs reminded me of "I'm A Bug" by The Urinals. Eddy Current Suppression Ring is from Australia and they have an international reputation for their engergetic live shows that recall some of Billy Childish's wilder moments, and even Fast Records-era Mekons. The Hipshakes are from England, soak everything with distortion, and hopefully they capture the overloaded fuzz attack live that I've heard online. The Farfisa makes Cococoma sound slightly more antiquated, but not necessarily in a negative way. Most of the groups here have an over-the-top approach that Teengenerate employed, and they certainly were a credit to this style of punk rock. Secret Headquarters once again saves the day by absorbing a five band bill when The City Of Denton said local recording studio Black Bottle Recording couldn't hold this show without a permit. What would we do without you, SHQ? | 
