by Jason Kolins
Weighted in hardcore punk and crossover, these veteran locals have already made a big impact. “The city was, and still is over run by elitist crust bands, and we wanted to do straight-up, no-bullshit hardcore,” says guitarist and vocalist Mikey Jak. Even in a small amount of time, it’s no surprise that the group has quickly become a force to reckon with working with a sound in the “vein” of Black Flag, The Accused, Verbal Abuse and DRI.
Back in 2010, Mikey Jak and their second guitarist and vocalist, Ben Lightning, came up with the band idea but finally hit jam room this past January. Aaron Foster on bass and Matt Fiorito on drums round out Legion Of Goons.
The word on the new super group quickly turned heads with the combined impressive resume of former bands like Death Sentence, The Excessives, Scum Element, Surrounded By Idiots, Seamen, Powerclown, Burnside Brawler, The Shivs and so on.
Attacks of dual lead vocals, rapid-fire riffs and a pummelling rhythm section command their fast and catchy songs. Both live shows and recordings flow with intensity. Eight songs were recorded in June at Vancouver’s House Of Payne Studio with Adam Payne. It features a cover rendition of “Plastic Bomb” by Poison Idea. “One of the best songs by one of my most influential and favourite bands,” says Jak.
Their lyrical content touches on things we all go through every day, situations, issues and people that piss you off, “definitely things that people can relate to,” Jak describes. The Vancouver Island transplant explains that between the serious lyrics, there is also the balance of more “tongue and cheek” humorous songs like “Lost A Bet To Boba Fett”, which is about the notorious Star Wars bounty hunter. Another called “Reptilian Brain” is written from the point of view of an alligator.
Look for an upcoming vinyl release and summer shows, plus a Vancouver Island trip and hometown show in September with the legendary Death Sentence. The boys are keeping themselves busy and also hope to hit the road to Alberta and the Prairies by fall. Believe the hype!
The Goons join Toronto’s BUNCHOFFUCKINGGOOFS at Thrashers a.k.a. Funkys August 3 and The End Of Summer Thrash Fest, all ages/bar show August 23 at Olympia Pizza, Surrey.
