Hooligans United Release Parities Review
Founder of Smelvis Records Elvis Cortez (Transplants / Left Alone) has become the Nike of punk rock. Once he sets his mind to something he just does it! Not only did he just release Hooligans United: A Tribute to Rancid through Smelvis Records, but also his string of release parties held April 10-12 rival the size of some festivals. Spanning three nights across three cities 20 bands came together once again to pay homage to Rancid. Many were eager to show off live versions of their Rancid covers, but this was much more than just another tribute show.
Night 1
The madness began at The Troubadour in Hollywood, California with a mix of ska and fast tempo’d punk rock. Shoplifters started the show and were by far the most laid back. The three piece drifted through a short easygoing set of songs before ending with their cover of Rancid’s “Ghost Band”. The night’s energy level was quickly thrown into the next gear when BMX pro gone vocalist Rick Thorne hit the stage. Complete with DIY intro tracks the performance from Rick Thorne and company was by far the most mobile of the night. Rick never once seemed to stand still. Alongside originals like “This Is War”, “Play To Win”, “Movin’ On”, and “Yeah I Like It” snuck into Rick Thorne’s set alongside covers of The Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage”, Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing In The Name” and Rancid’s “Fall Back Down.” The last of the night’s one stop artists was Johnny Madcap and the Distractions. Johnny takes the classic rock stylings of Elvis Presley and combines them with a punk rock attitude. The band surprisingly covered The Clash instead of Rancid’s “Daly City Train” that they recorded for Hooligans United. Johnny Madcap’s set never once lost its energy, and ended with the entire crowd humming and dancing along. The Phenomenauts, Left Alone, and Voodoo Glow Skulls all made their first Hooligans show appearance, but were slated to rock the stage again throughout the weekend.
Night 2
Round two of the Hooligans United release parties was at DiPiazzas in Long Beach, California. Los Creepers kicked off the show with their fast paced and energetic set before the first Psychobilly band of the night Motel Drive took the stage. Before the standup bass overstayed its welcome, the ska punk of Oceanside Sound System changed it up. As lead vocalist Skillet ran around the stage . jumped off the monitors, he alternated lyrics with the both the crowd and members of Happy Drunk Cartel. Throughout the entire performance there were only a few moments where he was standing still. Their set never lost an ounce of energy, but was over almost as soon as it began. Female fronted Homesick Abortions were up next on the bill and used their raw aggressive style to summon pits from nowhere. The Triggers were next on the bill and showered the crowd with shirts. They had a distinct and dedicated fan base that immediately swarmed the pit. Black Rose Phantoms filled out the list of one stop performers with stand up bass and Psychobilly style.
Night 3
The final Hooligans United release party took place at The Observatory’s Constellation Room in Orange County, California. The Last Gang were quick to start of the night and show off their version of Rancid’s “Cocktails.” Rat City Riots hit the stage next, but almost immediately lead singer Noah Bricker jumped offstage and sang the entire set from the pit. Psychobilly fueled outfit The Howlers were up next and proved the Nekromantix aren’t the only ones who can produce a great psychobilly show.
The Phenomenauts hailing from San Francisco transported the show to another planet. The costumed crew sounded reminiscent of Devo with their techno flair. The sound paired with space age themed mic stands, helmets, laser blasting bass guitar and other effects made this band stand out in every way. The Phenomenauts earned their place on each night’s bill and their cover of “Life Won’t Wait” was out of this world.
Throughout both of their appearances Left Alone showcased their versatile style as they swung between ska, punk, and rockabilly. As Jimmy Jam switched between regular and standup bass the night took on a life of its own. Without being bound to a setlist Left Alone picked songs that catered to the crowd’s energy. Songs like “Dead Red Roses,” and their cover of Rancid’s “Black Derby Jacket” made repeat appearances in the set and in some cases they even let the crowd decide what genre to play next. Taking requests didn’t interrupt the pacing of the band’s set in the slightest.
The other repeat offenders, Voodoo Glow Skulls headlined both Friday and Sunday’s events. From the time lead vocalist Frank Casillas walked onstage clad in a luchador mask the crowd chanted the iconic “Voodoo Anthem,” and fan engagement carried throughout the band’s entire performance. It was easy to see why Voodoo Glow Skulls were chosen to headline more than one night. They had more than enough energy and material to justify a second slot.
Overall the astonishing amount of eclectic bands showcases the large verity of artists Elvis Cortez chose for Hooligans United. Three days of performances may seem like an impossible job to some, but Elvis Cortez makes it happen without a hitch.
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Hooligans United: A Tribute To Rancid Review
Elvis Cortez Talks Hooligans United
Left Alone: Harbor Area Review
