Show Review: Varukers, Reagan Youth, The Accused, Doomsday Hour at Alex's - 2009.10.17

'09 is becoming the year of catching old school punk bands I've never seen. Besides seeing Mike Watt, numerous times, this trend started with Ill Repute and Social Unrest at Alex's Bar, then last week with Shattered Faith,, again at Alex's and last night with Varukers, Reagan Youth, The Accused, and Doomsday Hour yet again at Alex's.

First up were local band, Doomsday Hour, who are out on tour with Varukers, playing a mean set of anarcho-hardcore. Glad to know these guys are out there representing Long Beach in the hardcore community. Blazing punk goodness.

Next up were the band I was most anticipating, The Accüsed, Seattle's legendary splatter rock masters. Their new album, The Curse of Martha Splatterhead, has had repeated listens in the car, so hearing the songs played live furthered reassurance of the solidness of their songs. Clearly the winners of the "wall of sound" award this night, the band literally had enough cabinets to create a new wall on stage. I felt a bit sorry for their drummer, he was dwarfed and crowded by the bassists and guitarist equipment. Even so, these guys played a fury on thrashcore and kept scratching that rock itch. Oh, and there was firebreathing!

Next up were 80's punk band from NYC, Reagan Youth. This reincarnation featured original members plus new singer, and these guys rocked the crowd. Judging by the seething mass of slammers in the pit, Reagan Youth were a hit. The new singer clearly has an incredible stage presence that would make late singer, Dave Rubinstein, proud. Guitarist, Paul Cripple, plays with an intensity and authenticity that commands respect from anyone in the community. While their name may be dated, their leftist, anarchist messages are sadly still relevant (even more so, probably) today, as they were back in the day.

Ok, how have I been alive and a punk fan and NEVER HAVE KNOWN about Varukers till last night?!? Hi, I'm Mr Clueless. Clearly the favorites of the night, they launched in a non-stop set of 80's UK hardcore that fueled the never ending thrashing in the pit. These veterans showed as much energy as any young upstart, and they don't look like they will be slowing down anytime soon. Would see these guys again for sure.