Screw 32

at The Rat
by Jenn Zweig

The invasion of the West Coast continues as Bay Area favorites Screw 32 stopped by to play a show at the Rat. The turnout was huge considering it was a cold, rainy weeknight. The band managed to be in good spirits – sportin’ new shoes (Vans, of course) and crazy Manic Panic do’s. Grant now has green hair, Doug has turquoise, and Jimmy’s is the color you get when you combine lights and darks in the wash.

On stage, Screw 32 leaves you breathless. Andrew hippity-hops across the stage somehow managing not to strangle himself or trip and fall down. He cracks jokes that border between geekdom and mockery (a kinder description than smart-ass). Doug goes ballistic when it comes to strumming a guitar, while Grant just seems to sweat. Jimmy and Otto add enough bass and trash to make you wish you’d brought your ear plugs.

In many ways, Screw 32 is like early SNFU or Youth of Today; all play high energy, anthem music with simple, catchy, non-offensive choruses. Screw 32 is also appealing because they act and look like their fans. All band members come complete with baggy pants, chain wallets, and black beanies. Though Screw 32 is “fine quality East Bay hardcore,” it’s more like “athletic core.” Anyone can listen to their new album, Unresolved Childhood Conflicts (Wingnut), and find something to tap their toes to; this is aerobic music for punx!