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| SNFU - Cat Ashbee photo |
February 1, 2013 - Funkys AKA Thrashers
We got into Thrashers in time to catch a nail-biting Canucks victory in overtime over Chicago, to the delight of the packed crowd. Shortly after, the opening band Bad P.R. took the stage starting with a funkified cover of the Talking Heads classic "Burning Down the House". The funk continued throughout their set, which was a mix of rock and alternative complete with slap bass, guitar wankery, and a little rap. Basically they were a time warp back to the ‘90s, reminiscent of Bootsauce.
Next up were The Fondlers, featuring scene vets and former members of Vancouver heavyweights Witches Hammer, Procreation and, more recently, The Epitomees. Wrestling masks, metal-as-fuck guitars, a drummer with face tattoos, a cape and cowboy hat, and a singer that resembled G.G. Allin with a braided beard pretty much solidified, based on visuals alone, just what we were about to experience—scummy, dirty, loud and obnoxious punk rock! The highlight of their set was a reworking of the Procreation song “Morbid Reality.”
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| SNFU - Cat Ashbee photo |
Last up were the fresh-out-of-the-studio SNFU, who had been tracking songs for their new album. The incomparable Mr. Chi Pig, looking the healthiest and fullest of energy, as well as sounding the best that I’d seen him, in many years, led the band. Rounded out by guitarists Ken “Goonie” Fleming and Sean Colig , drummer Jon Card and newest member, bassist Kerry Cyr, the group tore through classic after classic, even throwing in two new songs and a great sing-a-long cover of “Hurt” in for good measure. Chi even broke out the stage props again, which had been absent from their shows for some time. Hopefully this is a look into the future and full time return to form for the Canadian punk legends.
by Jason Kolins
photo by Cat Ashbee