Cruz Fest 2009

Tonight was the third and final stop on the ALL (circa Scott)/Big Drill Car (original lineup) tour at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. First of all, I have to say thanks to Greg, BDC's manager for getting me a photo pass. I've always hated the HOB because of their high prices, super uptight security on the way in, and the fact that they don't let you bring cameras into shows. Second, I admit that I was wrong about the HOB. They didn't body search or run metal detectors over us on the way in, and no one seemed to care about photography. The price was still rather steep, but worth every penny for me to see two bands that I saw practically almost every other weekend at the Anti-Club in the early '90s.


I've blogged about Big Drill Car's first reunion show at Fitzgerald's in HB last summer. The group, which has members of MIA (a second-generation OC punk band that played alongside bands like TSOL, Social Unrest, The Vandals, DI, etc.), was one of the first to fuse pop melodies with hardcore energy. It was amazing to see the guys together for the first time in at least 15 years, and play so tightly and with such energy. This show had less giddiness, but way more polish. Frank broke out all of his old moves: the dog, the shake, the wombat, the Superman, and more (My names for the moves, not the band's).


"Drops in the Sea"? Yes, a new song. The band just self-released a new CD with an EP's worth of new songs and a bunch of compilations, covers, and b-sides. Dig back through my blog and you'll see the listing... Lead singer Frank called the band's shot saying that they were leaving everything on the stage, and they did. After that, I was a little worried for ALL, who has a very long, storied catalog of albums (including Descendents) with amazing songs and musicianship that tends to get spottier, in my opinion, as they've gone on.


But instantly, it was great to see Scott Reynolds (who took over vocals for Dave Smalley who took over vocals for Milo) with the band again. He sang some of the group's best songs, like "She's My Ex," "Mary," "Fool," and "Scary Sad," and reminded everyone of that tonight. Just like back then, he also sang some key Smalley songs like "Paper Tiger" and "Daveage." Above: "Coolidge." (Other Descendents songs in the set included "Loser," "I Wanna Be a Bear," and "Clean Sheets.")


Original Descendent Tony Lombardo (above) came out to play for couple songs, including his spoken intro/outro to "Suburban Home" and a TonyALL song. Other Allular notables in the house included master roadie Bug Phace and, trickling onto the stage one at a time to hang out during ALL's set, The Chemical People (below), making the Cruz Records trinity complete.

Jaime, Ed, and Dave have been jamming again lately, but didn't feel ready for tonight's gig. That's actually a good thing because then I would have had to attend the San Diego and Orange County shows, too...