This Friday, Face to Face will release their ninth full-length, Protection. It marks the band’s return to Fat Wreck Chords, a label they last worked with for the release of their debut album in 1993. We spoke with singer/guitarist Trever Keith and talked about the homecoming, as well as what it was like recording Protection with producer Bill Stevenson. We also discussed what some of the record’s songs are about, how the band plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, upcoming tours and more. While the essence of Face to Face’s early material shines through on this album, so too do plenty of modern styles. The end result finds the band recalling past work to help further their current songwriting, and sounding especially invigorated while doing so. Continue Reading…
Flag’s origins can be traced back to 2011, near the 30th anniversary of Black Flag’s first LP, Damaged. The Descendents were playing a show in Santa Monica, CA when former Black Flag drummer/current Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson and Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton, were joined onstage by original Black Flag singer Keith Morris and former Black Flag bassist Chuck Dukowski. The four proceeded to play Black Flag’s first record, Nervous Breakdown, in its entirety. Eventually this lineup made known that they would form under the name Flag, with plans to play songs from Black Flag’s entire catalog at various tour dates, both stateside and abroad. Flag’s lineup would be solidified once former Black Flag singer and rhythm guitarist, Dez Cadena, joined the fold on guitar. Flag recently played Riot Fest Chicago and we spoke with Stevenson, Egerton, Dukowski and Cadena. We discussed how they got together, the continued legacy of Black Flag’s music and their current thoughts on Black Flag’s lyrics. We also talked about their Riot Fest performance, future plans and more. Continue Reading…
Earlier this year, Hot Water Music released their first full-length since 2004, entitled Exister. It’s the band’s first album for Rise Records and also their first time recording at The Blasting Room with producer Bill Stevenson. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Wollard after Hot Water Music’s recent performance at Riot Fest in Chicago and talked in detail about the new record. We also discussed touring, the band’s upcoming live album and more. Continue Reading…
The Descendents don’t require much of an introduction as they’re simply one of America’s most important punk rock bands. They started in 1978 and over the years have released six albums, toured throughout the world and influenced countless bands. Last year, they began playing shows again and we spoke with singer Milo Aukerman and drummer Bill Stevenson before their recent performance at Riot Fest in Chicago. Milo joined the conversation after a few questions and we talked about their motivations for reuniting, what their shows have been like lately and what they’ve got planned for the future. Continue Reading…