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