AP Tour-This is Hell, Polar Bear Club, Emarosa, Augaust Burns Red, Bring Me The Horizon

AP Tour-This is Hell, Polar Bear Club, Emarosa, August Burns Red, Bring Me The Horizon @ The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA 11/12/10 and Amoss Southend in Charlotte, NC 11/14/10.

I didn't see a reason why I should write two reviews for the same show even though of course they where at a different place and different time with of course different people it seemed as if it made more scenes to write it all in one.

Well we got in the car and drove the 3.5 hours to GA unfortunately we had arrived towards the end of the Polar Bear Clubs set. So we did not get to see This Is Hell and most of the Polar Bear Club. Emarosa was the third band to play then ABR and Headlining was BMTH. Now I have been to many AP Tours before and shows at The Masquerade but my goodness this place was packed. I really think they would have done even better had they held the show somewhere like the Tabernacle. I thought the floor was going to cave in. It felt like standing on a trampoline because as everyone bounced up and down whether you where jumping as well your body was still moving. Needless to say with that kind of movement the show was a SOLD OUT show!


On the 14th we drove another 2.5 hours up and back to Charlotte, NC Giving us a total of 12 hours drove over the weekend just to see these bands not only once but twice. Now the Venue in Charlotte Amos's Southend was a much better lay out. They have tons of room, not to mention an balcony that wraps all around the room so you can watch from above as well. All and all I must say, it was a good weekend. Of course the last few months have just been overwhelming with amazing shows.

Now it's time to talk about what we really care about "Music, Bands, Bitches and Hoes" ha kidding on the last two for now any ways. Arriving at the show in ATL late wasn't all bad, we where able to park first thing and getting inside was painless. As we went up stairs and walked through the doors The Polar Bear Club was playing. This place was so packed we didn't know what way to go. So we headed straight to the merch tables and checked out the AP table and well, Photo Wall for BMTH. I must say this new thing bands are doing for there shows is kinda AWESOME! taking pictures of fans off on the sides and pictures of the crowd as the bands play and then posting them on some Social Network for fans to have is worth the money you paid to get into the show. If they charged for these now that would be another story...

This Is Hell Official Website Was the band to open up the nights. Like I said before unfortunately the ATL show we missed them and that was a huge disappointment because I had NO idea how AMAZING this band was tell I scene them in Charlotte. They are very much like the classic NY hardcore or old school punk. Call it what you will, just know that they don't fuck around. I was right up front but getting squashed so I didn't get any pictures of them so sad. If you like bands like Madball and Minor Threat you will definitely appreciate "This Is Hell". Not only is the music good, but live they will blow you away. I can honestly say that for an opening band they get the show off to a wild start. Not to mention all the new fans they seem to make just by watching them live. Every time they play a show people post on twitter about how they can't believe they never heard of them before. If you don't know who they are you must check them out, even better you just need to see them live. All I can say is that I hope this is a turning point to bring back this type of music again. They had the crowd going crazy from the start and not once did it stop. I didn't get the chance to talk to any of them but via twitter they seem to be a group of some pretty awesome guys who appreciate there fans and understand the leg work you have to do to become an amazing band. I wish them all the luck and will be at any show they play at close to home. My gut tells me they will never disappoint.

The Polar Bear Club myspace.com/polarbearclub was up second, I didn't get to see enough of them in ATL either. This is one of the bands that I had heard of before the tour. They put on a energetic show. They played most of the songs I had wanted to hear. Always happy when that happens. The only thing was I thought it was kind of weird for them to be mixed in with the bands that played because they don't seem to really have the same fallowing as the others. Of course it didn't really much matter because they came out and put on a good performance. Either way I was just happy to have been able to see them. If you like bands like Rise Against or Story of the year this band would be a good fit for you.

For the third band smack dab in the middle was Emarosa myspace.com/emarosa I had never even heard of them tell I started to make plans to go to the AP Tour. Then I couldn't stop listening to them. As usual when you are going to see a band that you like but have yet to see live you don't know what to expect. Low and behold I was more then impressed. Jonny Craig has some freaking amazing vocal chords. I mean WOW I would put him up there with the likes of Steve Perry of Journey. It's almost orgasmic when a band is more amazing live then there CD hahah and I mean that for all good artists. The best part of 2010 was finding out about all these amazing bands and I can't believe I hadn't heard of them sooner. I will be going to see them again for sure. In both states they had such a big turn out. It was exciting for me to see how much people where into them as they where into the heavier bands. Makes me think that perhaps people may actually have become more open minded to different types of music. Then again maybe they are just finding out what talent is. What ever it may be, I am just happy to be a part of it. I may not fit in with the normal Emarosa fans but it doesn't matter I LOVE MUSIC!
August Burns Red www.augustburnsred.com was the fourth band to play and this band I have actually known about for a very long time. Way back in the day before they had been signed they had played some local shows with some friends of mine. It almost leaves me speechless to see how big they have become. I am so happy for them. I just hope that they don't do like many other bands do and destroy there music or become stuck up. It's funny how fast people can forget how they got where they are, a lot of hard work, talent but most importantly there FANS. By the end of both nights there was no question that most people where there for them or Bring Me The Horizon. I say it like that because oddly enough it seems as if everyone around us kept saying they hated one or the other. They where there for ABR or BMTH, I was just there for a good show. The sad part was that I couldn't watch ABR because of the strobe light effects they had going on booo. I had to stay way in the back at both shows because that shit fucks with my head. Oh, well I still got to listen to them.

Last up was BMTH. I must say Bring Me The Horizon www.bringmethehorizon.co.uk
put on a very painful show and I mean that in a good way. From the start to the finish four bands later the fans still had the strength do what was asked hahah. I have to say this is the first time I have seen a circle pit at a hardcore show but wow was it a big one. Then the wonderful "Wall of Death" this is when the sides split down the middle and run together hahah fun stuff. I must say going to these shows more and more it's interesting to see the different kids that are going and the new trends. I can say this because I am much older then most of Oli's obsessive chick fans. I say it like that because back in the day there was not that many girls into that kind of music. I am happy for the bands that the fan base seems to be expanding but at the same time it's a little disappointing in what it's turning into. I think that is another blog to be wrote later, moving on. BMTH really puts on a great show all around and they are very talented. My friend Sayrah is a big fan of BMTH and she is the main reason why I went to the show twice. She was or should I say IS always front and center for BMTH. She is the reason why I even started to listen to them and happy that I did. BMTH played a lot off of there 2008 cd Suicide Season closing the night with the song they are probably known best for " Chelsea Smile"

Some bruises later and hours of driving it was worth every minute of it. Going to the AP Tour twice in a row was definitely worth it and we had a blast.

Stupunka
Stephani Fajardo

All photos by Stupunka Design

Frank Turner, Lucero, Social Distortion 11/08/10 (Asheville, NC) and 11/09/10 (Knoxville, TN)

I was so excited when I found out Social Distortion was going to be playing in Asheville, NC. The last time I had seen them was in 2004 in Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle with The Horror Pops and Tiger Army (amazing show by the way). So This year I had vowed that I would not miss them again, as I had to last year. Of course when I had the money to actually get the tickets they had SOLD OUT. Like I said I was NOT going to miss them again soooooo, I checked where they would be playing next and I ended up buying tickets for Knoxville, TN. I had not heard the other bands that they were playing with on this Tour. So as usual I went and checked them out. It was then when I found my new favorite band of the year FRANK TURNER.

Frank Turner ( http://www.frank-turner.com )was the opening band of the night. I had looked into them the minute the show came up, I must say that the songs blew me away. They have so much meaning and they relate to the way I feel about so many things. If you like a mix of country, punk, folk this band is for you. The members are: Frank Turner on Vocals and the band is Ben Lloyd (guitar), Tarrant Anderson (bass), Matt Nasir (keys) and Nigel Powell (drums).

I must say I have been a part of the music scene for some time and I will go out of my way to help out others if they need it. So I decided to contact Frank Turner and to my amazement he actually responded back to me. I don't know if it's all the crazy shit going on these days but some bands just get it. Frank Turner and the band are some stand out guys. I was actually able to get on Frank Turners guest list for the (SOLD OUT) Asheville show . Frank Turner again many thanks and I will buy you PBR any time.

So when I had arrived just as they went on, they where playing Poetry of the Dead. I was able to get towards the front as they where playing. As I looked around checking out the crowd, Everyone was bobbing there head along and really enjoyed them. I had over heard people say that they had never heard of them but thought they where great. Had I not known of them before I went to the show, I would have became a fan then. There stage presence is amazing. Constantly moving even during slower parts. The sound was so much better then a CD and in this day of technology some times that says A LOT about a band. Not to mention how much they get the crowd to interact with them. Calling up someone to play harmonica, or my favorite part is when they did the sing a long to Photosynthesis " I wont sit down and I wont shut up, But most of all I WILL NOT GROW UP!" Frank Turner and his band mates have to be some of the most awesome guys I have met. This band is even more amazing live. They appreciate there fans and work there own merch booth. I was able to talk to Frank and Ben for a little bit both nights and as crazy as things can get, I had asked if I could have the set list for the show in TN. (I am putting together a concert scrap book.) Wait it gets better, When I walked up to the merch table Ben pulled out the set list and handed it to me. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to know that a band as big as Frank Turner can be so amazing in so many ways. Fallowing the next night in Knoxville they performed just as good. They change up there set a little here and there but still have so much energy to give. It was yet another amazing show, I was so happy to have scene them two nights in a row. Again in TN a lot of people had mentioned how much they had liked them. With more amazing tours like that and I think they will be just as big in the states, I hope. With the fact of how big they are when I had spoke with them, they said they like the opportunity to interact with there fans. From my experience this is more then true. Next time they are in the states playing a show I will most definitely be there and I recommend you do the same.


Playing smack in the middle was Lucero ( www.luceromusic.com ). This band has been around since 1998. If you like southern rock/country this is more then the right band for you. He sings from his heart. This is what I would consider really country, southern rock compared to the poppy shit that seems to be mass produced these days. I listen to a lot of things and I am all for change and things growing but it's hard to find good ol'fashion music such as Lucero. I know that a lot of people said they where let down in Asheville but some people expect a show like KISS and don't appreciate the music for what it is. Lucero is a very talented band and write from the heart. Although I must say when they played Knoxville, TN so much closer to there home town Memphis, TN for them they where even more active with girls bouncing up and down up front desperately pining over the singer. As a band it's hard enough to do the same thing day in and day out but depending on the crowd that can make the difference as well. The musicians need something to feed off just as well. If your not in to it some times it can be hard for them to get into it. Just because you may have paid to see a different band it doesn't mean you can't show the other bands respect. Lucero is a very talented, and obviously doing something right to have been around as long as they have.

Headlining the show was obviously SOCIAL DISTORTION Official Website Now this band has been around forever. They started in 1978 and have always had a big fallowing in the punk/rockabilly scene. In my opinion Social Distortion never disappoints. Playing old classics such as "Mommy's Little Monster" and "Sick Boy" to few from the Mike Ness (www.mikeness.com) albums such as "Ball & Chain" We were also able to get a sneek peek of two new songs "Bakersfield" and "Still Alive" from there "New" CD Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes release date January 18, 2011. I can't wait to get my copy.

So it was now time for SOCIAL DISTORTION to go on. I was not sure what songs would be played and nor did I have any idea that they would play such a long set. Being such a fan made those two nights some of my best nights in 2010. As Social Distortion was playing Mike would stop and talk for a moment and at one point he called his son up to play with them. Come to find out Mike discussed how he had been to Asheville before to visit his son who now lives in Asheville. His son played guitar for one of the songs. I don't know much about his son but he must be in a band because he sure knew what he was doing up there. It was a night to remember for sure, but I must say the show in Knoxville was even more memorable. I had made my way up to the very front as I normally do but who would have thought all that would go down. First off I was able to be standing next to Mike Ness's good friend from Cali. that now lives in TN with his awesome wife. Great group of people and Mike did a shout out to him, now that's friendship. Not to mention the wild bunch behind us that just would not stop being a pain in the ass....but that is normal when you are right up front. Of course it's not often you get someone talking shit to well "Mike Ness". So half way through the set just like the night before Mike stopped to talk to the crowd again again only this time some ass hole decided to yell at Mike and run his mouth. Mike told him that he needed to calm down or he would do something about it. The guy just kept running his mouth and Mike had him escorted out, Thank goodness and we all clapped and cheered. Of course that's not exactly what happened....and that was not word for word by any means but I am not talking about drama just stating what had occurred during the show. I don't really know what the point of it all was. I would NEVER talk shit to Mike he is scary when he is mad. Of course he is AMAZING in my eyes and I would never have any reason to.

Anyways moving a long. If some of you don't know they now have a new drummer who used to be the drummer for the old school band Suicidal Tendencies. With the new drummer Social Distortion played just as good as they always do. Social Distortion is a band I will never miss when they come around and if the money allows I will see them more then once. That's what I normally do for bands I enjoy. Social Distortion seems to be holding on and pushing forward like never before. With there most recent television debut o n Jimmy Kimmel, I believe we will be seeing much more of them. This is wonderful news for fans like me. Social Distortion is one of my favorite bands of all time.....I was lucky enough to get there set list as well that night (see Set List's section) All and all it was such an amazing two nights....I can't wait to see them again.



Stupunka
Stephani Fajardo

All photos by Stupunka Design

Cobra Skulls, Teenage Bottlerocket, and MFATGG

As the night started on the drive to my first show at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC it was not to my surprise that the show had SOLD OUT. I myself was born and raised in Wyoming and was very excited to watch Teenage Bottlerocket, who are from Wyoming as well. It had been at least ten years sense I had last seen MFATGG and I had only heard of Cobra Skulls this year, but had never seen them live. Lucky enough a friend of mine is very good friends with Teenage Bottlerocket and I was able to hang out with Brandon and Ray, Awesome guys. As we stood there talking about music and what not there was a little boy about 10 standing by us. I could tell that he really wanted to talk to the boys so I brought it to there attention and they stepped over and talked with him and let him get his picture with them. This is what really makes a difference in the music scene. People like Brandon and Ray who are an up and coming band appreciate there fans. That boy I was told was singing every word to there songs and so overwhelmed with excitement. That day is day the little boy will never forget and perhaps we will be cheering him on in a band as he gets older. As he was leaving the show that night one of the guys had said good bye to him and talked a little more to him. The expression on his face that the spoke to him again and remembered him at the end of the night is priceless. This is what it's all about.



So to get back to the show, The Cobra Skulls www.cobraskulls.com started the night out. They didn't have a very long set but for a first act they had a pretty decent crowd. It was awesome watching them because it made me feel like I was in Charlotte watching my friends The Not Likelys, both bands are a three piece band and let me tell you when you have that much energy and you enjoy what you do, it really comes out in the music. The Cobra Skulls definitely did not disappoint. They may only be the opening act but they are worth showing up Earlie to see. They will be back around in February with The Bouncing Souls and NOFX. I highly recommend you check them out. I myself can't wait to see them again. I was able to talk a little with them and they are way down to earth and working there ass off to get things going. I highly recommend checking them out.

The Cobra Skulls played a cover song of Bad Religion that will be on the Bad Religion Tribute Album. This CD is celebrating the 30 years of B.R. You will be able to get the CD in the SPIN magazine for free. They have tons of great bands covering on the CD such as Frank Turner and the Polar Bear Club. Odd enough there will be show reviews by me for those two bands as well in later blogs. The Teenage Bottle Rockets also played there cover song for the album during there set.

Speaking of Teenage Bottlerockets teenagebottlerocket.com....can I just say they blew me away. I was highly impressed that this band from out West my home state Wyoming had such an amazing fallowing out here in NC. There was a lot of people watching them and singing a long to songs such as "Skate or Die" and "Blood Bath At Burger King". This band has so much energy and between the two singers it makes every little song a little different. There music is so catchy and full of energy. This is one of my favorite punk bands all around for so many reasons. If you don't know who this band is you are falling behind because they are defiantly the next big thing "Bigger then Kiss" perhaps. In my opinion at times they have this heavy Ramones/ TSOL feel. As for there music I don't think I have heard a bad song by them but my favorite song of all time would have to be "Fatso Goes Nutzoid" this song has a suicidal tendencies vibe to it. Very up beat and the topic of the song is very relevant these days. All and all they played a tight ass set and I will be going to see them again when ever they are out this way. Thanks again Brandon and Ray for the hook up!

Headling the show was Me First and The Gimmie Gimmies GimmeGimmes.com. Now this band has been around forever it is a mix of different band members that dress in matching cloths and play old school covers adding there personal touch. Band members include:

• Spike Slawson (of Swingin' Utters and Re-Volts)- vocals
• "Fat" Mike Burkett (of NOFX)- bass
• Chris Shiflett (of Foo Fighters ex- No Use For A Name)- guitar
• Joey Cape (of Lagwagon)- guitar
• Dave Raun (of Lagwagon)- drums

at this show Chris's brother Scott Shiflett (of Face to Face and Viva Death) was playing with them. By the end of the night the venue was so packed you could barely move. This band is just as good as it was in the past. Going crazy on stage and keeping the crowd going and well entertained at this show you got your moneys worth. If you are like me you go to see this band perhaps not so much for the cover songs but to see the band members in action if you like the other bands that they are in. I myself was overwhelmed when I realized that Scott was there. At the end of a SOLD OUT show a few band members stood around and chatted up with there fans. This is the night I will never forget because I was able to hang out with Scott and talk to him like a normal person. He was so nice and appreciative of his fans. Face to Face is and will always be one of my favorite bands. I will save this rant for another blog at a later time though. It's times like these that really make you respect bands and the people in them. Music can be such an important part of someone's life and when you relate to it and you love it. The feeling couldn't be any better when the musicians remember there fans.


Thank you Fat Wreck Chords for setting up a sweet ass show!!

	Fat Wreck Chords

-Stephani Fajardo AKA Stupunka
All Photos taken by Stupunka Design