Doc Hopper
with Weston, Youth Brigade at the Middle East Cafe
by Andrew Berenson
On this happy Easter day, Youth Brigade, a seminal punk band from Canada and California, brought their own style of old school, straight-ahead punk to the masses at the Middle East. Not new to the punk circuit, Youth Brigade have been rocking the globe for over 15 years and have done it in a manner that is truly unique.
Besides this, Youth Brigade founded the record company BYO (Better Youth Organization) Records which is dedicated to promoting alternative music, art, and other creative endeavors in a completely independent manner. Putting their label aside for one night, the Stern brothers brought along their new guitar player named Johnny (who they said they found on the street), and proceeded to rip apart the tiny Middle East floor. Bashing through classic songs such as “Violence,” “Deep Inside of Me,” and the cult anthem “Sink With California,” Youth Brigade have shown that bitchin’ music can stand the test of time and rock harder, and be more meaningfully, than most of the new punk that is out now. Youth Brigade’s message is quite clear and powerful: “Do whatever you want, just have fun at whatever you choose to do.” This message stands out quite clearly in the songs “Live Life” and the deep thrashing “Did You Wanna Die,” which deals with the stupid choice of committing suicide. This was a truly amazing set, and was the first time I saw a circle pit in action. It was so breathtaking, I had to put down my beverage and start slamming, baby.
The band that went on before Youth Brigade was Doc Hopper. Playing melodic punk that reminded me of NOFX, only not as fast, they had their moments and, in time, their brand of punk madness will surely win the world over.
For Weston, the second band of the night, their time is now. This Pennsylvania quartet ripped through their set with amazing intensity while still staying melodic and cool. Moving from side to side and all around the stage, Weston was best described by Youth Brigade’s Shawn Stern as “Jerry Lewis on crack.” Catch this band live, as many times as you can, because you can’t afford to miss them, you just can’t.
The first band of the night, Luca Brasi, sucked! They played noisy distorted crap that make Veruca Salt look new and refreshing.
