LEFTOVER CRACK @ CBGB'S

LEFTOVER CRACK

INDK

Molotov Cocktail

Caustic Christ

Stockyard Stoics

No Cash

CBGBs

I’ve never been to CBGB's before, so walking in with some old friends I met up with, I didn’t know what to expect. But let me tell you, I got my $7 worth. Seven bands played, so lets start off with the first one: Sick Of The Abuse. You know when dumb people make fun of punk music as just screaming with no musical element to it? Well they described this band. There were guys and girls screaming and playing instruments. They might not have been so bad if they didn’t have this too-cool-for-you feeling; they didn’t move around or anything, as if they were trying to be artistic or something. As a result, the crowd didn’t give a flying fuck.

So on to the next band, No Cash, from Allentown (wherever the fuck that is). Think of Leftover Crack Junior; however, once you read their lyrics you realize that they are unique. Being high-school age, they were also good because they'd talk about things the kids could relate with. They were great; the lead singer was just overflowing with energy as he effortlessly went from singing to screaming. The catchy guitar riff on "Kill Yer Parents" and other songs like "SK8 or Die" and "Annihilation Of The Nation" (cheezy title but good stuff nonetheless) really got the crowd going. With time this band can only get better, so I suggest you check them out while they're still small.

Next up, Stockyard Stoics. This guy Marc I was hanging with had seen them before, and described them as the kind of band that is good for filling time but you wouldn’t buy their CD or anything. I’d have to agree; they had an up-beat kind of ska sound that didn’t come off as particularly interesting. One highlight, however, was the singer urging the audience to go to a protest in Canada against the FTAA,click here to learn more about it. Its good to see a band willing to do more than sing about what they believe in.

On to the 4th band of the night, which was Caustic Christ. Wasn’t my kind of music I guess; crust kinda punk by a bunch of old-looking guys in leather jackets (you know the type). It was enjoyable nonetheless due to the energy of the crowd. With each passing band the pit was growing and getting more and more frenzied. Molotov Cocktail was pretty much the same situation, although younger and more energetic. Obnoxious-as-anything kind of punk, they’re on CBGB’s label. Their words are definitely worth taking a listen to, so go check them out.

Second to last comes INDK. Never hearing of them before is something I now regret; they were amazing! They had this loud, catchy, punk style that immediately just sucks you in. The pit was probably the best it got all night; people just went nuts for this band. After all, the band deserved it; but all too soon, their energy-packed set was over.

And finally….the good….the bad…..and the Leftover Crack! (ok that’s corny but I was so goddamn excited to see them!) They definitely brought their unique political ska/punk/crack beat to all the kiddies at Cb’s, and totally kicked ass. They played favorites like “Nazi White Trash,” “S.T.I,” ”Crack City Rockers,” “The Good, The Bad, And The Leftover Crack” (the best cowboy song ever) and “Gay Rude Boys Unite And Take Over The Dance Hall.” Who knew smoking crack could do such great things for musical talent? Everyone played their instruments with skill, even the new material was awesome (counting the days ‘till their new album is out, “Shoot The Kids At School,” out 5/22/01 on Hellcat). The crowd was fucking awesome, I had a few good bruises to show off the next day (to say the least!). The lead singer tried to find a beer opener among the crowd, he invited us to live @ C Squat (tempting…)…lots of interesting little things. Finally, the closed with one of my favorites, “Born To Die” (so what if it’s a CVcover?) and Muppet N.A.M.B.L.A, which was fucking AMAZING! On the way out I congratulated the bassist on doing an awesome job. Walking out, my eyes were practically burning out of my sockets due to the thick cloud of smoke and I was all gross from moshing. But it was all part of the experience (as was using the bathroom….a story in itself….) and I had an incredibly good time. Leftover Crack bids you adieu…