After the sixties Garage Rock movement, a peculiar cutting-edge sound burst into full motion, heavily based in the United States and United Kingdom, during the early-mid seventies. Influenced by the rawness and the self-recording of it all, this genre pushed the boundaries of a limited society even further, where rebellion was the core and independent viewpoints parsed. This transferal boom was Punk Rock, and bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Ramones, and Television were in the center of its wicked Anarchistic meat of callous honesty. However, one Punk Rock band from the British invasion pack brought in an unusual uplifting sound to this genre filled with exasperation. Heavily influenced by the Pop-esque tone of the sixties with artists such as The Shangri-Las, this vibrant one of a kind act roared in and went by the name, The Rezillos. On a hot Saturday Summer evening, on July 11th, The Rezillos have returned to New York City after three years since their appearance at The Bowery Electric, this time they stopped at The Gramercy Theatre. Promoting their long awaited 2015 release Zero, thirty-seven years after their historic 1978 album Can’t Stand the Rezillos, it was clearly set in stone that this evening would be filled with celebration. Bringing in a mutinous batch of local acts to support them, Gameday Regulars, The Purslaines, and the Whiskey Bitches were ready to play some Rock ‘n’ Roll.
A handful of stragglers arrived early and were lucky to see the first act of the evening from Brooklyn, New York, the local trio the Whiskey Bitches. Initially formed in 2013, shortly after the band jokingly teamed together to fill in a spot at the local venue of Muchmore’s in Williamsburg in December 2012, quickly discovering its realistic potential. Possessing a sound that combines the influences of The Clash, Ramones, Reggae, Grunge Rock , to Joan Jett, you get the Whiskey Bitches. Consisting of members Madge (vocals/guitar), Kate Black (bass) and drummer Eli Lopez. Since their formation, they have been relentlessly playing through a handful of local venues such as Mercury Lounge, Knitting Factory, Pianos, Cameo Gallery, Brooklyn Bowl, Cake Shop, and Grand Victory. Recently, last Spring, they traveled towards the Midwest for a short three-week tour while they were on their way to visit the SXSW festival. This vigorous trio has released two EPs; Wasted in 2013 along with Never Enough in 2014, and they are in the works to record a third. This night, however, was their biggest gig yet, as they walked on the stage with ease.
Opening their set in a rebellious fashion with “Machine Gun Moment” from their EP Never Enough, they astonished the crowd as eyes promptly zoomed in with amazement. At this point, a few who were initially seated in the back jolted to the front of the stage as they went into “Money Gone Drinking.” Ecstatic to be on the Gramercy stage, Madge took a moment to introduce the next piece “Cookies” by stating it is also their latest music video. Keeping the energy, they moved into the spirited unreleased track followed by “Disaster,” then “Blackout,” and “Funemployed.” After performing a handful of rebellious Punk tunes, Madge stated that there were two songs left as they closed their set with “Always” and “Bedpost,” where a fan let himself completely go and danced across the floor. After introducing their spark-plug energy and easy-going attitude to the crowd, hopefully, they will book themselves a full nationwide tour in the near future.
After a hot moment, it was time for the New York City locals The Purslaines to walk into the spotlight. Their formation began in 2010 where Vocalist Ashley Bird was bartending in her hometown of New Orleans and met this dashing gentleman originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Guitarist Johnny Raincloud. His frequent visits to the bar led Bird to visit New York City to see a Danzig show, however, it turned into a one-way trip. Their musical taste in Punk Rock, Motown, and Rhythm & Blues were in sync with each other, shortly after becoming the Purslaines in 2011. The rest of the lineup currently includes Denise Torcicollo on bass and Kamal Aboul-Hosn on drums. Incorporating their distinct sound, mixing between Soul and Punk Rock, both infused from the late 70s and early 80s, they released their debut album, The Devil’s Arms, in 2014.
Beginning their first time on the Gramercy stage, they launched with “Five Roses” and “Devil’s Arms.” As they hooked the audience with their Independent groove, Bird announced the next track was about her hometown in New Orleans as they streamed into the classic Animals cover “House of Rising Sun.” This cover swept the audience as they careened in soothing glory. Bird relished in the acceptance from the crowd as she comfortably described the next track, explaining that it was written by Raincloud; which was a song about mothers and it cost him thirteen years of his life as “Last Laugh” slowly broke out. Just as the Purslaines hooked the audience with their aggressive and doleful vibe, it was time for their set to wrap up, closing with the new unreleased track “In Chains” followed by “Won’t Be With Me.” Currently there are no tour dates announced, however, The Purslaines are the house act for the local Lacey Allure’s Rock-n-Roll Girlie Show, a variety show where Rock-n-Roll lives, artists express, and Burlesque dances.
Next up from Bronx, New York was the electrifying Gameday Regulars. Formed in 2011, the band consists of Will Romeo (vocals/guitar), Gino Romeo (drums), Justin Parish (guitar), and Colin Harte (bass). Influenced by bands such as The Replacements and Descendents, their sound is nothing but fierce and defiant. After releasing two EPs, they have been making a name for themselves on the East Coast and have been receiving positive reviews from rejoicing in the spirit of Punk Rock music. Their debut album, Split 7, was released in August 2014, which was a split record between Gameday Regulars and the Punk Rock band from Birmingham, UK, Guerilla Monsoon.
Ripping right in with their dirty, edgy “Kids of the Cove” from 2013’s Nobody Likes a Quitter EP and the blistering “Hearts and Bones” from 2011’s …But It’s Hell in the Hallway EP, the band enthralled the near packed crowd. Their stamina remained cutthroat as Romeo launched his vocals. Parish continued to swarm across the stage, shredding with rambunctious pleasure as they bled into “Kiss the Cup.” Continuing to dominate the crowd, they charged into the raw “Pale Reflections.” Romeo took a moment to catch his breath as he introduced the next track about “being not cool with your friends,” as “Punisher” ignited. Terminating their set with the favored “The Whiskey Keeps Us Young,” they abruptly waved thanks to the crowd and took off shortly after. This zesty performance impressed the audience where they will look forward to see them perform in the future.
Lastly, the moment the crowd has been waiting for; it was time for the legendary act The Rezillos to take the platform. Originally formed in Scotland back in 1976, during the time when Punk Rock was rising to the top at full speed, The Rezillos rose to popularity after recording their most successful album, the aforementioned Can’t Stand the Rezillos. Climbing up that ladder went a bit too fast for them, and at that point, pressure took control as they called it quits in 1978. After reforming in 1979 through 1996, the band officially reunited for good in 2002, shortly after randomly deciding to play a New Year’s Eve gig in Edinburgh, Scotland. The current lineup includes the talented gems Fay Fife (vocals), Eugene Reynolds (vocals/guitar), Anger Paterson (drums), Chris Agnew (bass), and Jim Brady (guitar). Expanding their following when the acclaimed track “Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight” was featured in the 2003 cult-classic film Jackass:The Movie, along with the recently releasing of the album Zero, Gramercy Theatre was packed with fans from all walks of life, ready to rock.
Launching their set with stupendous classics of “Destination Venus,” “Bad Guy Reaction,” and “Flying Saucer Attack,” the entire crowd was in utter amazement. Brady’s energy captivated the eyes of all as he romped around with his frisky guitar licks. Then there was Fife who shimmied around the stage, encouraging the fans to breakdown and dance along with them as she bled out her vocals. Reynolds looked sly and fresh as his voice exhilarated the audience. Moving forward with cuts from Zero, including “(Take Me to the) Groovy Room,” “Sorry About Tomorrow,” “Out of This World,” and “Tiny Boy from Outer Space,” the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands.
Keeping the zealous vibe, Reynolds clamored to lead the next song, “No.” Brady glimmered with his groovy guitar solo during “It Gets Me (Mysterious),” as Fife amped the crowd again with her boisterous vocals. Taking a moment to be the charismatic and charming blokes that they are, the band began to directly converse with their fans. Reynolds casually announced that they would be standing at the merchandise table after the show, willing to sign autographs or to just say hello. Meanwhile, Fife jumped in and began to poke fun of Brady, joking on their own heavy Scottish accent as they asked the packed audience if anyone was at their last show at The Bowery Electric. A lone fan raised their hand, and Fife laughed it off as they moved forward with the show. Fun and playful, Brady and Fife sung together during “Nearly Human” before Reynolds shined bright singing “No. 1 Boy.” When old favorite “Top of the Pops” came crushing in, the musical companionship between Fife and Reynolds was boldly evident for all eyes to see. Moving forward, as Fife held out her danceable energy with her effortless shimmies and shakes, it was time to cut into “(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures.”
Bewildering the crowd, they sprung into the Ike & Tina Turner cover of “River Deep, Mountain High,” which led into howling vocals from Fife that shook all into delight. As their set was coming to a reluctant close, they took another moment to speak to their New York crowd, but this time on a more serious note, Fife embraced and thanked all for coming to the show and supporting the band. Coming across heart-felt and sincere, Fife received a roar of cheers in response. That is when Brady, Fife, and Reynolds joined forces together at the front of the platform during the song “Can’t Stand My Baby” before closing the night out with “Mystery Action” and the Fleetwood Mac cover of “Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight.”
The Rezillos maintained an animated energy throughout their performance and did not miss a beat. Wrapping up their North American Tour on July 22nd in Chicago Illinois, they head back to the United Kingdom for the Rebellion Festival 2015 at the Blackpool Winter Gardens in August. This is an act that should be on everyone’s bucket list to see live as they put on a fabulous show. In the meantime, jump into grabbing their latest album Zero for some Poppity-Punk Rock gratification.
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