Rucus

www.myspace.com/rucusband

Kinda Hardcore Punk, kinda Thrash..all around Greatness. I've known this band for quite sometime, I saw them live a few times (though they've only played one show so far..I've managed to catch an audition for Battle of the Bands, and then their show at CHS' Battle of the Bands). This band is made up of "legends" in the Clover, SC area. By "legends," I mean..the majority of this band is made up of infamous kids at Clover High School (infamous..in the way of "Hey..that is that rocker kid." or "Yea, the dude is weird as hell." and even "That guy is f**king crazy..did you hear what he did to that teacher a year or so ago?"). None of the people in this band are in the "in" or "popular" crowds, nor were they ever..they don't wanna be, they like what they like, they speak what they want, do what they want..and they make great music while their at it. Check them out, I am being serious, and if you don't love these guys..then I will personally kiss ur cheek..

-DJ Thirteen

The Napalms

www.myspace.com/thenapalms

These kids are pretty cool. I dig them, it is like old Green Day (but way better) mixed with old Anti-Flag. It is interesting to watch and listen to them. They have TWO bassist and ONE guitarist. Jared (ex: The Festered) and Gabe (also ex: The Festered) make up some of the members of this band. They have a killer sound if you dig old Anti-Flag. They even incorporate Ska and New Wave into some of their songs, which I really dig. I've heard them cover "Just What I Needed"- by the Cars, and it is one of the best covers I've heard. I really dig these kiddo's, so check 'em out. (Interesting fact: Jared [one of the bassist] is Pablo's [guitarist for Rucus] little brother)

-DJ Thirteen

The Body Bags

The Body Bags (www. myspace. com/selfmademonster) are one band from the area that has a sound I have yet to hear anything quite like, but defiantly wish there was more of. They bring together an amazing combination of horror-rock, punk, metal and a touch of 50's influence. Despite having several changes in their line up since they got together, these guys bring a kick ass performance some bands couldn't boast after being together for years. At each show, the guys always connect with and interact with the crowd, both while performing and in the down time. Every one of their shows is filled intensity and horror which the fans always get really into, regardless of the performance space or the size of the crowd. Their songs are catchy, yet unique and always leave you anticipating the next time you will get to hear them. With all the new bands coming out that couldn't play something unique if their life depended on it, The Body Bags are a refreshing taste of something new and are defiantly worth checking out.

-Courtney Lynn

Sick Sick Sick

There are two bands that come to mind when you think Augusta, The Skuds and Sick Sick Sick. I watch them both any time humanly possible. The latter Sick Sick Sick is a band that brings old school, angry garage punk to today's youth. Nowadays its hard to find good pissed punk rock sound that doesnt rely on screaming, however Furman this well and leads with guitar. The minimalist punk band also relies heavily on Preston's solid bass lines and vocals, as well as, Philip's never disapoint drumming. I have seeing this band since i was a teen and get just as giddy when I hear Null Policy.

-Johnny

Smash Points

Smash points hails from the Spartanburg, SC, or as they prefer to call it -Keg City. The name certainly reflects this band as it is hard to find them without a beer clenched in their fists. Led by front man Rudy, who shows energy on-stage that most teenagers cannot even reflect, often projecting himself up into the air only to hit solidly on whatever is below him. They come with a sometimes standard, but very solid pissed off oi, with chanting choruses that will get your fist in the air. Like most quality oi they do the standard verse-chorus-verse tempo but, why mess with a good thing? The guitarist Jeremiah plays the cool character often coming with a sarcastic or witty retort to what ever Rudy is rambling about. Meanwhile the bassist Cody is more of the mover with the four-strings going with him across the stage. John keeps the pace going on drums with an always steady rhythm. I have seen this band several times and never have seen them have an off night, always entertaining and really looking to get the crowd into it despite the numbers and the atmosphere. Smash Points brings you good mix of old tough punk and oi and season it with a tall boy of PBR, check them out at www.myspace.com/smashpoints.

-Johnny

Aloha Broha

Chances are, unless you were at Unity Fest this year, you probably haven't heard of the emerging surf punk band Aloha Broha. Featuring two of the original members of Minority Party, (RIP) this light and energetic feel-good band is a far cry from some of the angry politically charged bands of today. So next time they're playing, grab a life vest and a nose plug, because Aloha Broha is sure to hit like a tsunami... or at least a fat kid cannonballing!

-Amanda Crap

The Belmont Playboys

The Belmont Playboys are slick and smooth rockabilly cats who hail from, as their name so eloquently suggests, Charlotte and its surrounding area. Their sound would be easy on any ear, with toe-tapping beats and rich vocals, but don’t be fooled into thinking you could kick back and watch this show! Through the stand up bass and streamlined drum kit they remain infused with enough raw energy to make anyone want to stand in the front row.

To see a musical resume populated with as many celebrity encounters as the annually held Grammys, just take a look at The Belmont Playboys myspace, where you’ll find everyone from Johnny Cash and June Carter to Little Richard and Tom Cruise! The Playboys are also popular overseas and just returned this summer from playing a Jamboree in Finland. They have a couple of shows on the books now, but nothing for the New Year and none near Charlotte. To change that, go online, and let them know to bring the music back home and give our scene a swift, greaser kick in the ass! (Editor's Note: This was written before we knew they we're playing Charlotte Jan 5th @ the Double Door Inn!)Check them out @ www.myspace.com/thebelmontplayboys.

-Michele R.  Dirty South Promotions

The Rogue Nations

Combining socio-conscious lyrics with infectious bass rhythms and wailing guitar riffs, The Rogue Nations are the godfathers of the Charlotte punk scene. Punk rock veterans Chris Peigler and Luke Warm put on an energetic live show, Peigler is renowned for his sense of equality and appreciation for the community that punk embodies, often performing intense bass solos from the pit. Drummer Keith Barnes is as talented as they come, and committed too, often pulling double duty for other bands and still putting on solid performances behind the set. Injecting hilarious stories of hijinks amongst the rocking, The Rogue Nations are a legendary fixture in the Queen City. Through the talent of the musicians, the craftsmanship of the songs, tightness of the group, and tireless devotion to punk rock The Rogue Nations have earned the respect and admiration of all the bands they play with, and countless appreciative crowds.

-Joe

Thinkback

Every few years,sometimes decades,the planets seem to align,and a real band is born.A band who is real,bleed,make mistakes,and represent real causes.These bands always have the same effect,they threaten the very foundation on which all our ideals are built.They make us second guess our actions on stage,our lifestyle,our sound and the way we look.When I first saw Thinkback live, this is how I felt.I wasn't sure what to make of it,I just knew the kids loved it,and it made me feel like "old man scene".But the more I watched them, the more I began to respect them.I saw them fight(literally) for a position in this scene,take all the hits and insults and come back for more.Always showing integrity,self respect,strength and a willingness to fight for what they believed in.Playing classic hardcore with a new edge almost seamlessly.Critics of the band have accused them and their fans/crew of being violent and too upfront.It seems their only response to these critics has been, fight fire with fire,and of course, they are always willing to discuss issues.You may not like everything that your seeing or hearing from these guys but one thing is crystal clear,you are thinking. I think thats the whole point they are trying to make.One of,if not the best local NC hardcore bands out there.Unafraid to play with any kind of band from punk to metalcore.Do yourselves a favor,Get up,get out and check these guys out..

-Moss

Rekless Youth

Over the years I’ve seen quite a few high school punk bands spring up and have their moment on the local scene. Their shows are usually filled with their 20-75 friends from the high school or high schools they attend. Once they graduate their bands usually break up and everyone goes their separate ways. The cynic in me sometimes thinks these bands form because playing music is a social activity that can revolve around them within their scene. For a while, maybe, they can be the hip kids in their high school punk scene. But what if there is no scene for you to be the hip kids in? Then, you must be doing it for the love of punk rock, right? Rekless Youth are from Wingate, NC. I’ve never been to Wingate, but I’ve driven through it on the way out of Charlotte and I’m sure it’s not a hotbed of teen punk activity. Madison, Morgan, and Jesse are the three hard-working members of Rekless Youth www.myspace.com/reklessyouthrocks. They have a CD out called “EZ Street” which must surely be a sarcastic title because they haven’t had it easy in the punk scene from what I can see. Without the above-mentioned high school 20-75 friend/following they’ve had to make it on their own credentials. They’re all top-flight musicians and show much promise as songwriters. Go to their myspace page and see if you don’t leave it with “I Hate Heroin” stuck in your head! From seeing them live numerous times, I’ve also grown quite attached to other newer songs they have that aren’t on their otherwise fine CD. So, give them a chance, show them some love, and maybe they won’t break up when they graduate!

-Chris Peigler

IED

Most punk bands rise or fall by the intensity/sincerity/charisma of their lead singer. Charlotte’s IED has one of the most intense, beady-eyed snarlers to ever wrap his hand around a mic. Their myspace site www.myspace.com/iedrock says his name is Mulcahy. I know him by his real name, but I won’t tell if he wants it that way. I don’t want this guy pissed off at me. There are other people in the band as well (Super Sketch Kev-o on guitar, Doyle on guitar, Muhammed Jihad on bass, and Joey Beans on drums). I don’t want any of them pissed at me either. They play a pretty tight ska/punk hybrid not unlike Operation Ivy who they’ve been known to cover. I’ve also heard them do Dead Kennedys before if that gives you another point of reference. I also really appreciate the fact that these guys are well-read, non-stuffy political types. The drummer once told me he wanted to open an anarchist/socialist bookstore. He’ll probably have to come into a lot of money to afford opening one of those in Charlotte! Ah, the ironies of life! Fortunately, you don’t have to have a lot of money to see IED. Most of their shows are in the $5/6 range. I highly recommend them, in case you couldn’t tell!

-Chris Peigler

25 Minutes To Go

As the guys of the band say, "25 minutes to go plays punk rock, no prefix or suffix.", and it coudn't be stated better. This is one of the few punk bands that wont dissapoint. The fun-loving energy they project from stage gets everyone dancing and chanting along, tall boy in hand. Influenced by great bands such as Social D, MxPx, Bad Religion, and the infamous Cash, they've got what it takes to captivate you and take you prisoner from the first note and make you realize just why everyone is saying "BLADOW!"

-Amanda Crap

The Not Likelys

The Not Likelys are an up and coming group of talented musicians with a knack for writing catchy songs and playing intense shows. John is an excellent group leader, singing his soul out and never missing a beat on guitar, while Eric pounds the bass and Matt holds down the percussion with a reliability and energy most drummers wish for. The trio cranks out catchy punk tunes, with a third wave ska influence that is undeniable, they remind me of a better Assorted Jellybeans, with their harder songs bordering on a happy Pennywise(if there was such a thing), only more political. Land of the Lies is a personal favorite, but thte crowd may prefer Robots and Zombies. All in all, a welcome addition to the Charlotte punk scene, the band holds the potential to accomplish some great things, and have already crafted some excellent songs and with their infectious positive attitude have made a lasting impression on countless fans.

-Joe

Lamb Handler

The self proclaimed "Shepherds of Rock" may very well be is best hope as well. I first met these guys when they were in a band called It Could Be Nothing back in the mid-nineties. They have always been adventuresome with their music but I've never seen them this focused. Every song I've heard is a home run. This is the kind of catchy, but not too catchy, seductive dangerous rock-n-roll that the radio should be playing. Half the bands I've seen lately could also take a lesson from Lamb Handlers style. This band has an image and sticks to it, making them instantly recognizable. You may doubt that rock still lives, but after hearing Lamb Handler, I'm a believer! Check them out @ their myspace page.

-Ryan

Lamda

I got to know these Charlotte kids due to the fact that their singer, who’s also named Chris, and I both share a love for The Riverboat Gamblers. Lamda sounds nothing like The Riverboat Gamblers although that band is listed as an influence alongside The Clash, The Bouncing Souls, and Dead Kennedys on Lamda’s myspace page www.myspace.com/lamda1234. Again, I can’t say that I hear much of those bands in Lamda’s music. That sort of thing really pisses off some reviewers, but not me! I like it when bands take their influences and spit back something that sounds more original. To my old ears they have a more angular approach like early-to-mid-period Fugazi. They’re not a fist-pumping band although they do sometimes encourage hand-clapping as they’re more in the folk-punk scene than they are the studded jacket punk scene. Nonetheless, you won’t hear any acoustic guitars on their excellent first CD, The Legend of Cowboy Peter and Other Stories. Good luck finding a copy though! Lamda found a pressing plant that does small runs and the band sold out of their first run of 30 on the night of their CD Release Party. I know this because I bought the last copy! Chris, Miles, Matt, and Eli all appear to be really good friends who decided to form a band rather than musicians who decided to form a band just because they thought it might make them more popular at their high school. They’re even looking past high school. They’re all planning to go to college somewhere close to each other so that they can keep the band going. I think Lunchbox Records is the ideal place to see them live as Chris favors a long mic cord and can’t stop himself from walking out in the street still singing whatever song their doing while passersby have to wonder what the hell is going on. I think you should find out too if you don’t already know.

-Chris Peigler

Obstruction

Every once in awhile a band sneaks out of a dark basement or garage and hits you with a punch to the throat. With Obstruction, the only difference is, that they leave you wanting more. This band blends punk and hardcore they way it should be: loud, fast, and without any of those ridiculous dying pig noises. Obstruction makes you wanna get off your sorry ass and rip your face off as an offering, or at least move your feet. With influences such as Minor Threat, The Descendents and possibly some Slayer in there too, Obstruction's got what it takes to make you wanna smash your Comeback Kid CD and go, "Damn theyre fucking good".

-Amanda Crap

The Dirty South Revolutionaries

This is not for the faint of heart! This band of misfits channel Suicidal Tendicies on amphetamines while apparently gargling clorox. Hailing from the "mean streets" of Charlotte DSR are a surprisingly tight unit. The guitars are beefy, the drums and bass pounding and the dual vocals are insane. How either Pete or Moss have a voice left after a show I'll never know. Great hardcore/punk with metal leanings, this isn't for the "wine and cheese" crowd. Unless by wine you mean Mad Dog 20/20 and by cheese you mean a big tray of nachos. Check them out @ here!

-Ryan

The Other Half

I have to say, this band has a very unique sound. Like hardcore and punk mixed with a little metal. I do have to say my favorite has to be the bass guitar,even though the rest of the band sounds good I have my opinion and it stands. Don't get me wrong, they sound amazing. Looking at the comments left on their myspace page it seems that they have alot of loyal fans who crave their live performances. So check 'em out it seems like it would be a very interesting experience.

-Tesla

The Legendary Shack Shakers

They played the Milestone awhile back and it ranks way up there on the "best show ever list".I'd never heard them before so I did the myspace thing to check them out first.They described themselves as a southern gothic /punk blues band from Nashville, Tn. The songs were good ,I didn' have to work the next day so i went.

As soon as walked in the Milestone there was a buzz in the air.I figuired out why when The Shakers blasted into their first song .Loud and fast just like I like it ,but with a spin on it thats hard to describe.Myspace doesn't do them justice thats for sure.The singer/front man,Col.J.D.Wilkes put on one hell of a show.He was constantly moving/dancing and messing with the crowd and was funny as hell.Next up was David Lee on guitar,I myself love bands with lots of guitar and this ones got it.He is an amazing, old school punk/rockabilly guitarist with the volume cranked.Now the bass player Mark Robertson knows his way around a bass.He plays loud but not with that plunky sound,just fast and smooth.Now last but not least, Bret Whitacre on the drums.I was a little taken back at first, when he started setting up,he had a double bass drum.Thats usually a metal thing,or at least I thought it was.He changed my outlook that night, it didnt sound like a helicopter coming in for a landing like alot of double bass players.He mixed every thing well and could play at lightning speed when need be.Well thats it,I can't type and this has taken forever to write. All I can say is if you hear The Legendary Shack Shakers are coming to town you better go, sale your first born if you have too just be there.

-Jarrod

Revolution Radio

Blending '77 style punk rock with good old fashioned rock and roll, and a little bit of folk, Revolution Radio is sure to impress. Heavily influenced by the likes of the Clash, Social D, the Stones, Bob Dylan, the Dolls, and countless other legendary musicians, Revolution Radio is an amazing band out of the heart of Appalachia. Aaron says, "with every song we write, every show we play, and every interaction with someone, we want to make a difference!"If you havent seen these guys play yet, get moving. because to listen to Revolution Radio is one thing, but to see them, is amazing. They've got to be of the best punk bands in the area to catch live. So full of energy, life, and originality, Revolution Radio is sure to impress.

-Amanda Crap

The Dead Kings

The Dead Kings are an amazing band. They offer so much. They have an amazing sound that in my opinon can't be labeled. They put on an amazing show which I have experienced personally. Their outrageous shows are a great experience for anyone interested in a mega-dose of punk rock-n-roll. I consider them a Glitz and glam punk rock experience no one would want to miss out on. There wardobe maybe a little off the wall, but it goes with there sound and show 100%. Dont miss out on a chance to see them live, it would be an unforgettable time!

-Tesla

South Side Punx

Bang your head squarely on the punk rock! For anyone who thinks punk rock is dead in the Queen City, this band stands in absolute defiance! Buzzsaw riffs, pulse pounding rhythms and raw as hell vocals highlight this outstanding Charlotte punk band.On their myspace site they describe themselves as "no bullshit, east coast punk". I think that pretty much sums it up. Definitely on my "catch this band, your life depends on it!", list!

-Ryan

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