So this is it, the final instalment of The Lookouting. It had been exhausting but awesome all the way and tonight was going to end on a high note. Arriving to the venue early enough for load-in, I got to meet the guys from The Jimmies who were opening the show. I have a split LP with them and The Weaklings so I was stoked to see them kick off tonight’s antics.
The Jimmies are from Oregon and they play straight up melodic punk rock. There’s three brothers in the band and I was told they hadn’t played together as The Jimmies in a long time as they all have different bands now but when they got asked to do this, they were down for it. They were a good opener and the crowd really dug them. They were giving away their 7″ and CD cos they didn’t wanna take them home and so I had to grab a copy of each so expect to hear them on the show in the near future.
Juke took to the stage next and I dunno why but I just couldn’t connect with them. They went over well with the crowd but for me personally, I just couldn’t grasp it. Maybe it was because I had never heard them before or the guitar tone which was layered with feedback, I dunno, it just wasn’t my thing at all. Oh well, I tried.
Black Fork were aggressive female fronted punk rock and packed with high energy and hard hitting songs, the punters were into them bigtime. I had never heard them before either but could see why they were so popular tonight. Not bad at all.
Kamala from The Karnivores who played the first night was back behind the kit again for her Lance Hahn tribute with the band Cringeworthy. Unfortunately, due to sickness the band was unable to perform. A real shame for all who wanted to see and hear the songs of Cringer and J Church but she really didn’t look well. Her health is far more important than a show. I can say that I did hear them rehearse and they gave everything 110% so they would have been incredible. Hopefully they will play again.
The Avengers were called to the stage and went on early which was a blessing for myself as I truly was exhausted and longed for an early night. Once again, the Avengers are a band I never thought I would see live. Vocalist Penelope Houston has so much energy on stage and fire in her voice that she still kicks out the jams and has done for four decades now with their most famous anecdote being that they opened for the Sex Pistols at their 1978 Winterland show. Yep, THAT show! The stories she must have would be so interesting. Seeing them play was an honour and they really rocked the place. Seeing them at Gilman St is something truly unbelievable yet it happened and if you weren’t there, you missed out.
Nuisance closed the night and their dedicated following were in awe. They may be older but they still gave the fans what they wanted and that was a show of classics. I liked these guys and while they’re not as straight up punk as the bands who played before them, their melodic style of indie rock was welcomed by all. Great songs and another band I didn’t think I would ever see live. Nuisance were a great ending to an awesome event.
The Lookouting was definitely something special. It was more than just nostalgia, this was also a celebration of a label that truly did things their way before corporate business got their hands on punk rock in 1994 to exploit its radness to a whole new generation of kids. I love the label’s vision and truly felt like I witnessed something really unique and exceptional. I wish you could have all been there to witness such an event. Thank you Alex, thank you bands, thank you to anyone and everyone who had a hand in putting this together. Well played to you all.
The Avengers
Nuisance
Black Fork
The Jimmies
