All material (c) Christine 'Krusty' Ullrich - do not use without permission.
TSOL - First Avenue (Minneapolis, MN)
February 2, 2002
Punk rock done right!

Just when you thought you might be getting too old, Jack comes back.  Jack and crew, better known as TSOL, have hit the road again.  They definitely can show the kids how it's done.  All around 40, and you'd never guess a day over 20. 

The energy they exude is quite beyond compare.  Ripping through a set that includes many of the old faves and some of the new songs that are certainly destined to become classics, there was no sign of wear on the band or the songs.  The songs range from political to gothic and everything in between.  They just haven't lost their appeal over the last twenty years.  Songs such as 'Superficial Love' have even come full circle.  TSOL is one of the rare bands that can change styles like most people change their underwear and get away with it.

To tell you what it is like to watch TSOL is next to impossible, but since that is my job, I will do my best.

There was nothing on the stage but the absolute essentials.  There wasn't even a backdrop.  You have one drummer sitting on his throne as though this could be his last hurrah.  Add one guitar player, worn but performing a full on aural assault.  If you can stand it, stack on a bass player that just won't quit.  Now for the icing on the cake, Jack.  Wearing pants that could easily pass for a mid-calf length skirt, he paces the stage as through a pit bull trying to break free from an invisible tether.  The sound that blasts from the speakers is beyond loud, yet melodic.  The voice is quite distinct and very angry, yet at the same time seems to envelope you with a strange sense of security.

One of the nice things about TSOL is that they prove that drugs and alcohol do not have to do you in.  They are also proof positive that there is life after drugs.  While anyone that knows of this band surely know of the substance abuse that seemed to go hand in hand with everything in their lives.  Now, after cleaning up, they are going stronger than ever.  Truly the only way to really understand what I am trying to convey to you is to experience it for yourself.  ©2002 Krusty
Blackfire - Java Joint (Saint Cloud, MN)
March 9, 2002
It was the worst ice and snowstorm in recent memory.  And just my luck, a great band that has not played anywhere near the state of Minnesota in five years was going to be playing in St. Cloud.  That is usually about an hour drive from where I am.  But, weather could not stop me from going to see Blackfire.  Heck, if they could drive from northern Wisconsin to St. Cloud in this weather, I certainly could make the short trip.

There is no doubt in my mind that they made it well worth the trip.  Blackfire's intensity is rivaled by none.  It is evident in the music, the lyrics, the vocals, their faces, and even their posture.  A lot of their songs are about the struggles that their people, the Navajo, are going through.  Most specifically, the struggles of the people living on the reservation in northeastern Arizona.  The refreshing thing is that the songs are filled not so much with anger, but with an earnest plea for people to stand up for what they believe in.

Blackfire has been able to blend rock with punk with metal, and most intriguing, Native American styles to create a new sound.  They appeal to many different audiences, which can work to their advantage, and yours.

I strongly urge you to check them out any chance that you may get.  ©2002 Krusty
The Queers and The Independents - Ascot Room (Minneapolis, MN)
June 15, 2002
OK… so the room has a fountain with stagnant water in the middle of it.  And we won't even begin to talk about the trees that litter the room.  Things like that do nothing more than get in the way.

The Recipe:  1 part Ramones, 1 part punk, 1 part ska, and a whole lot of Elvis.  The Result:  The Independents.  One of the truly unique bands that exist in today's world of conformity.  After a five-year absence from the Minneapolis area, The Independents returned.  With all of the music, but none of the visual show.  The stage was just too small for all of the props and the small location left no room for pyros.  But, none of that stopped The Independents from putting on a show.  Fast paced and fun.  There really seems to be nothing else that can describe them.  The singer seems to be a reincarnation of Elvis Presley and Joey Ramone, all rolled into one.  When I say fun, did you ever think in a million years you would hear 'C Is For Cookie' anywhere but at Sesame Street Live?  Even cookie Monster couldn't make learning your letters more fun than these guys.  On a bittersweet note, they also performed 'Cretin Hop' and 'Blitzkrieg Bop' (both by The Ramones for the two of you that do not know).  This was quite fitting as Dee Dee Ramone was found dead just eleven days earlier.  I can't think of a band that gets the room jumping better than these guys.  PLEASE come back soon!!!

The Queers are The Queers.  There should be no introduction needed.  The Queers have been going strong for years.  There have been lineup changes, but they don't seem to change the band.  Fast and furious, they unleashed their repertoire with all the energy they had.  This was the last stop on their tour, so they gave it their all.  That was more than obvious.  With their songs being a wonderful blend of The Beach Boys and The Ramones, you just cannot help but fall in love with them.  The song that made the night most special for me was S.L.U.G., an obscure song by The Ramones.  I don't even think The Ramones could play it half as fast as The Queers did.  Anyway you look at it, these two bands were phenomenal.  I think seeing them at the same show added a little magic.  What better way to celebrate the life of Dee Dee?  ©2002 Krusty
Impaler - The Turf Club (Saint Paul, MN)
October 31, 2002
I usually complain about living in Minnesota.  But, never when it comes to Halloween traditions.  Most places have their standard Halloween concerts.  Some, of course, are better than others.  I live in a city that features one of the older shock rock bands around, Impaler.  Impaler has been around for nineteen years now.  They have become a Halloween tradition around here.  This was the sixth year running that they have disgraced the stage of The Turf Club with their gruesome presence.  This show did double duty.  Not only was it the annual Halloween Bash, but it was also the album release party for their latest disc, 'Old School Ghouls'.

First and foremost is the music.  Having been through many different lineups over the years, they seem to have settled down.  The current lineup, having been together for about four years, the music has finally settled into a groove.  That groove is a great mix of old school heavy metal and punk.  There is just no going wrong with this combination.

Watching an Impaler show is like being thrust onto the set of a great horror movie.  There are blood and guts everywhere.  The only real difference is that there is only one take.  A psychotic ghoul roaming the stage, spewing various fluids from his mouth.  People getting hit in the head with a folding chair.  A singer spitting fire.  Flash pots.  People spitting blood.  A baptism in blood.  These are just a few of the things that go on during an Impaler concert.

I gotta tell you, given a choice between The Misfits and Impaler.  I will choose Impaler every year.  I mean, who wants to see just another super group?  ©2002 Krusty
No Use For A Name - First Avenue (Minneapolis, MN)
November 4, 2002
No Use seems to be returning to a time when punk rock had something to say.  Don't get me wrong; I love songs that are just plain fun.  But every once in a while I want it to make me think about what is wrong with this world.

Tony has a special way with words.  The pop-punk hooks just make his message more accessible to the people who will be responsible for changing the world in the very near future.  His songs touch on things like homelessness, domestic abuse (child and spousal), loss, stereotyping, depression, and many other topics that should concern us all.

8:15 is an ungodly early hour for a headlining band in a club to take the stage.  Oh well, I guess the kids gotta go to school in the morning.  I shouldn't complain either; I have to work in the morning.

With a sound that ranges from the great pop punk to the wonderful melodic-punk, there just isn't a style that doesn't work for them.  These guys are tight.  You would never guess that they have been through several guitarists and bassists.  Having stood the test of time, they have been around since the late eighties; they show no signs of wear.  Their music has grown with them.

I don't know if it was the changing weather, Senator Wellstone's recent death, or what, maybe it was just too early, but the audience just never seemed to warm up.  There was more pep and energy at Wellstone's memorial service turned political rally.  Even 'Soulmate' couldn't get these people moving.  OK, there were a very few, and I don't want to go without mentioning them, but they were very few.  The band, on the other hand, had energy to spare.  They plowed through the set as though there were no tomorrow, and maybe there won't be.  The set even included a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for Tony.  Complete with what looked like a piece of cake in the face.  They ripped through what I consider classics as well as playing several off of the latest album.  All in all, I would not suggest missing these guys.  The albums are great, but the songs take on a whole new meaning and urgency when experienced live.  ©2002 Krusty