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 TOXIC
NARCOTIC: LIVE IN L.A.
(Rodent Popsicle
Records) DVD. Live Punk show. 35 minutes. Toxic Narcotic is one of
Boston’s best, and longest running, DIY hardcore punk bands. This show
was recorded during their Fall 2000 West Coast tour and shows how these
guys leave no door unslammed. First the music; the set is made up of
thirteen insanely fast punk rock songs that works the crowd up into an
absolute frenzy. They start off with “Paddy’s Leather Britches,”
which includes bassist Ben Upton wailing on the punk rock bagpipes…yes,
bagpipes. Great sound! Some other songs here; “People Suck,” “Beer
in the Shower,” “All Bands Suck,” and “Belevin’.” The set ends
with “Politics,” “Homebrew,” and “Asshole.” I mention these
last three songs because they really get the crowd going and must have
left them thirsting for more. I do not know if Toxic was the headlining
band or not, but if they were the opening act, they certainly did their
job. This DVD nicely captures the energy of the band. Great band, intense
show.
Now the
technical side of things. The show is shot using one camera, which is
above the stage and off to the right side. The picture is great and the
sound is absolutely phenomenal. There are a few moments when the camera
slips out of focus, but things are great for the most part. Just make
believe you got beer in your eyes or something. The cameraman mostly keeps
the singer (Bill Damon), guitarist (Will Sullivan) and the
bassist/bagpiper guy (Ben Upton) in view, but does get a few shots of
madman drummer Tristan Smaldone in a few times. We also get a few zoom ins
of the crowd, who are mostly jammed up against the stage. When you watch
this DVD, check out the punker with the big blonde mowhawk; he has the
world’s longest pinky! This guy could easily dig a booger out of the
middle of his skull with that thing. Lots of stage divers too. In fact,
singer Bill jumps into the crowd and is thrown back on stage in a rather
rough manner. Although it lookes like he hit the stage hard, he just jumps
up and continues singing without missing a beat. There are no special
effects or useless extras to this DVD. Just great raw footage of an even
greater Boston Punk band kicking some can in L.A. – Denis Sheehan
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