january 22^nd, the library in escondido

skatamic bombs were already through playing, ending their last number right when I got into the library, a local escondido all-ages coffee shop/cultural arts center. I waited a while until the next band was setting up, and actually got to listen to the horn players from the rudies warm-up outside. I had heard them many times before, and

the rudies, a local band with heavy ska, punk and jazz influences, lit up the show with a fierce 45 minute barrage of powerful horn lines, dynamic vocals, and an absolutely incredible rhythm section to back it up. they played several songs from their latest ep’s, keep on movin’ and a singles collection. standout tunes included ‘shallow’, ‘help me’, a specials cover ‘a message to you rudi’, and ‘beer, guys and song’. the group showcased an interesting blend of ska, punk, jazz and funk all rolled into their own unique sound, and whatever you may label their music as, they play it well. above all, the part of this band that rose above the rest, and the majority of most younger ska bands, is their incredible horn section. with aaron hudson on sax, dan mercado on bass trombone, and don carter on lead trombone, this dynamic trio is simply amazing. their warm, euphonious sound, fused with catchy rhythms create a high-energy dance beat that’ll have you skanking your brains out. the whole band totally got into the performance, and put on excellent show. if you like 3^rd-wave style ska, you should definitely check these guys out.

next up, jerry lives twice, another ska-punk band from san diego county, took the stage. I had seen these guys several times before, and they are a pretty good band, with some great tunes and powerful playing ability. the lead guitarist, morgan frisk belted out some excellent solos, the rhythm section and vocals were tight. their horn line was good, but lacked a certain edge, due to an unusually soft sound. however, what they lacked in volume, they made up with nice, tight rhythms and peppy, danceable beats. lyrics were similar to that of reel big fish’s style, and they played several all-original songs, except a cover of the queers ‘deborah jean’ to close their set, which they had only practiced twice prior to the show. it sounded good regardless, though. my only beef with this band is the extreme absence of energy. the group was set up in a straight line across the stage, and the drummer in back of them, and most of them looked practically like zombies the whole time. but aside from that, jerry lives twice put on a good show.

I was kind of reluctant to stay and listen to the next band, fresh off the boat, because I really wanted to see el scorcho and I was growing very impatient. however, I’m extremely glad I did. this five piece punk outfit rocked the place with balls out guitar riffs, deadly drum beats, and smashing lyrics and vocals. fresh off the boat ripped out original numbers from their up-and-coming album, and even a little hip-hop cover of ‘rappers delight’, which had the room full of rude boys and girls breakdancing! these guys were extremely charged and ready to put on an excellent show, and that they did. there’s not much more to say aside from saying ‘man, this band really kicks some ass!’.

unfortunately for me, I only caught the first few numbers of el scorcho’s set. this orange county ska band is definitely hot (no pun intended), and from what I heard of their live performance, they sounded pretty tight. I hope I get a chance to see them at a later show.