Tag Archives: 7Seconds

7Seconds and Red Tape to Headline Punch and Pie Fest 3

Local punk rock aficionado Sean Hills is at it again. His DIY festival, Punch and Pie Fest, is coming back to melt your faces off from Aug. 15 to 17 at various Sacramento venues. Now in its third year, Punch and Pie Fest is quickly becoming one of Sacramento’s most important recurring musical events, offering a more underground rock-y/punk-y alternative to things like Launch Fest (which typically leans a little more indie) or Aftershock (more of a radio/bro-rock fest). Confirmed headliners for this year’s Punch and Pie Fest are two legendary Sacramento bands: 7Seconds (who have a new record out on Rise, their first new release in nine years!), and Red Tape (first live show in more than four years and the 10th anniversary of their album Radioactivist on Roadrunner Records!). Also confirmed is Heartsounds, City of Vain, Suburban Threat, Setting Sons, The Shell Corporation, Bastards of Young (Hills’ band) and many others to be announced in the coming weeks.

“The fest is a great way to bring everyone in the community together for a few days and it brings in a lot of new people who might not be that familiar with the local music scene,” Hills recently told Submerge. “Hopefully these people get more involved and continue coming out to some of the smaller shows that are booked year round.”

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Hills mentioned he’s looking forward to seeing every band on the bill, but that the headliners hold a special place in his heart. “7Seconds are one of my favorite bands and they were one of the big reasons I got into this kind of music in the first place,” he said. “Red Tape is one of the best bands that ever came out of this town and they were criminally underrated in my opinion. I hope that everyone comes out to see both of these bands tear the roof off.”

Keep an eye out at Punchandpiefest.com or at Facebook.com/punchandpieproductions for more band announcements, venue info, ticket info and more.

Elder Statesmen

The Knockoffs and their place in Sacramento’s punk rock history

Country licks with a traditional punk-rock style. Twenty years of street cred earned within the ever-fluctuating Sacramento music scene. Not to mention the immeasurable amount of respect from bands such as 7Seconds, the Groovie Ghoulies, festival organizers and promoters alike. That old school, independent, do-it-yourself mentality all in the spirit of punk rock is still essential for members of The Knockoffs after all this time.

The days when flyers were handed out at shows and littered the walls of bedrooms instead of sidewalks. The times before the Internet was a main tool of promotion, when actual footwork and word of mouth were the standard codes of conduct for bands. These forgotten practices continue to resonate for these four men and after a three-year pause, they’re back and ready to play as loud as they can at this year’s second annual Punch and Pie Fest on Aug. 24, 2013 at Old Ironsides.

“They’re kind of like the elder statesmen of our community. I think that they’re a really important part of Sacramento’s punk rock history. They have been around for 20 years and they have been a great influence on the punk rock community,” says Punch and Pie Fest organizer and Bastards of Young bassist Sean Hills. “I have a lot of respect for them, and I think they are a great example of how to be in a band for that long without killing each other. They’ve been doing it right.”

It’s a roundtable meeting of sorts within the living room of vocalist and guitar player Tom Hutchison, or as his mates like to call him, “Little Tom.” On this Sunday afternoon Danny Secretion, Tom Amberson (aka “Big Tom”) and Bobby Jordan gather around a coffee table, television muted, to speak with Submerge about their love for punk rock music, keeping the scene healthy by ways of encouraging young talent and laughing so hard during practices until their muscles ache and eyes water.

“It’s like we’re in the eighth grade and someone’s parents are gone,” says bassist Jordan of the band’s camaraderie. “It’s one of the fibers of my life.”

Forming in the early ’90s, The Knockoffs have had their fair share of lineup changes. At times, certain members would even jump from guitar to bass and then back to guitar just to keep the process moving. Eventually, the guys found what worked and ultimately solidified their lineup.

Each person comes with their own unique set of experiences or outlooks complete with a list of either a second or third punk rock band they’re also heavily involved in. Like Secretions’ longtime run with The Moans, The Shitty Ramones and The Secretions; or Bobby Jordan doubling up with The Mr. T Experience. Hell, Amberson credits The Knockoffs giving him the opportunity to sit behind the drum kit and learn a completely new instrument by simply joining the ranks. All of these elements are finished with a traditional punk and rock ’n’ roll-style of vocals with just the right amount of gruff, thanks to Hutchison, especially heard within the playful lyrics during songs such as “You Make Me Sit Funny” from The Knockoffs’ second full-length album Sell the Move.

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Yet, after all the changes, instrument shuffles and years tacked behind them, their chemistry works. And their time spent performing and practicing as The Knockoffs means more to each member than just another punk rock band they’re a part of. In the end, all members say they genuinely enjoy one another and have witnessed each go through life changes ranging from marriage to welcoming Jordan’s new baby girl to the family.

“Having a baby has made me want to do this even more,” says Jordan. “I want music to be around her while some people retreat in music with babies and families.”

Encouraging music within a younger audience is a duty each member of the band adopts with no questions asked; to them it’s necessary to keep the tight-knit punk rock community healthy. Both Secretion and Jordan recall bands like 7Seconds and the Groovie Ghoulies mentoring them, by means of showing them the unspoken codes of ethics, respect and even honesty when it comes to door money.

“We were really lucky that we had those bands take us under their wing,” remembers Secretion. “The thing that I notice is that the older bands kind of groom the younger ones. When you see bands like Mad Judy or Abandoned Generation, these kids are too young to even get into the shows we’re playing, but seeing them and the younger generation of punk rock, I know it’s going to be OK in Sacramento.”

These four men remember performing shows at Old Ironsides 20 years ago for five bucks. Fast forward a couple decades later and the guys are still playing shows at that price—and happily, which Jordan says is a testament to The Knockoffs, genuine love for the music alone. And they aren’t planning on closing their guitar cases or retiring their drum sticks ever—they’re all here to stay.

“We’re like an old, wore out, stinky pair of shoes,” jokes Jordan, sitting next to Hutchison and directly sending the rest of the guys into laughter.

“I’m looking forward to just playing my guitar as loud as possible and looking over my left shoulder and seeing these guys play their asses off,” says Secretion. “That’s going to mean so much. You ain’t seen the last of us.”

Photo by Allyson Seconds

Photo by Allyson Seconds

Punch and Pie Fest 2 will heat up Sacramento Aug. 21–25, 2013 at The Press Club, Old Ironsides, Midtown Barfly and Luigi’s Fungarden. The Knockoffs will perform at Old Ironsides on Aug. 24, 2013 with Dr. Frank, Bright Faces and Arts and Leisure. For a full Punch and Pie Fest schedule, go to Punchandpiefest.com or go to Facebook.com/punchandpieproductions.

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KEVIN SECONDS RELEASES FIFTH SOLO ALBUM

Legendary Sacramento-based singer/songwriter Kevin Seconds (of the highly influential hardcore punk band 7Seconds) is readying the release of a new solo record, Don’t Let Me Lose Ya. The 10-track album, which Kevin calls his fifth “official” solo release (he’s made all sorts of homemade, limited-run releases over the years), will be available through Asian Man Records on Oct. 9, 2012.

“I kept it pretty simple and close to my heart,” Kevin recently told Submerge. Rather than enlisting the help of musicians from all over the country, which Kevin had considered, he kept everything close to home. “I’m really fortunate to have some amazing and talented people so willing to help me out, my wife Allyson first and foremost, of course. I’m never more excited than when I’ve got my vocal parts done and I know it’s her turn to come in and sing.”

Kepi Ghoulie played drums, Alison Sharkey laid down crucial cello parts and David Houston, who recorded the album at his studio, played on the album as well.

“I’ve known David for 17, 18 years now,” Kevin said. “I consider him to be one of my closest friends, I love the man. He’s brilliant, fun to hang out with and inspires me in so many ways I cannot even begin to tell you.”

After recording his last couple solo albums himself, Kevin felt like he needed to collaborate a little, to reach out and let someone he knows and trusts put their touches on this new album. It paid off.

“It was actually the funnest, easiest time I’ve ever spent in a recording studio,” he said. That definitely comes off when you listen to Don’t Let Me Lose Ya, nothing feels forced, it’s very organic sounding and Kevin’s masterful songwriting and storytelling are right up front on display as best as they ever have been.

His official CD release show will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at Naked Lounge. That show will also be Kepi Ghoulie’s and Kevin’s U.S. tour kickoff. For more information and to pre-order Kevin Seconds’ new album, visit http://kevinseconds.com/ or http://asianmanrecords.com/

Punk All Night

7Seconds, Youth Brigade, Pressure Point, Boats!, The Knockoffs
Shire Road Club “¢ Friday, Jan. 29, 2010
Words & Photos by Anthony Giannotti

When I heard about this show I was really excited for several reasons: First, I hadn’t seen some of the bands in almost 10 years; second, it showcased a wide cross-section of Sacramento punk rock talent; and third, it gave me a reason to get out of the grid and check out a new all-ages venue. So I made the trip all the way out to The Shire Road Club.

The Knockoffs
The Knockoffs

First up were The Knockoffs. The band consists of guys from other great Sacramento punk bands The Secretions and The No-Goodniks and Berkeley, Calif.’s Mr. T Experience. Right out of the gate these hometown heroes hit us with three-chord punk that would do The Ramones proud—songs chock-full of sing-alongs, power hooks and quirky choruses about girls. I found the drummer of this band to be very interesting; in fact I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Imagine if The Rock stopped taking steroids and played with the exact facial expression/drumming style of Ringo Starr circa 1964.

Next up was the pop punk trio Boats! The set started out with some equipment malfunction that caused the guitar player to miss some notes and forget chord changes. Anyone that has played in a touring band understands every show can’t be the best one you’ve ever played; you just move on and play better next time. These guys did have some catchy tunes. Similar to something you might hear on a late ’90s Screeching Weasel album, fun goofy three-chord punk. The bass player David blew me away, honestly one of the best young punk bass players I’ve seen in a long time.

The third band, and arguably the best band on the bill, was Pressure Point. I really don’t know what else to say about these guys, they are just fantastic New York style hardcore punk. Apparently I was not the only person who felt this way because the previously motionless, expressionless crowd burst into a wild circle pit, fist-flying singing along to all the songs. These guys brought a little more musical complexity to the night, more than five chords per song and some flashy lead guitar. Pressure Point brought out an interesting observation; punks, skinheads and hardcore kids attended this show. Not a lot of other cities can boast such unity.

Youth Brigade
Youth Brigade

As soon as Youth Brigade hit the stage I was immediately unimpressed. Yeah I know, punk legends, been around forever, whatever. For some reason Shawn Stern (lead singer) had a problem with the majority of the audience not being born before his band started. He seemed to imply that we weren’t there so we don’t “get it.” This is the equivalent of Boss Hogg telling me I don’t “get” Dukes of Hazard because I wasn’t born in the south. I don’t see this in any other genre of music but for some reason some old punk rockers are ageists. Sorry for being younger than you. I don’t know what you want me to do about it. If you’ve seen the classic punk documentary Another State of Mind, you’ve seen modern day Youth Brigade. They still play teeth grinding aggressive ’80s style barking hardcore punk. Shawn is still singing about politics and playing the same power chords, I didn’t get the impression that he wanted to be there. He acted as if he was going through the motions, to get paid.

7Seconds
7Seconds

7Seconds was the last band to take the stage, they immediately kicked down the doors and tore the roof off. They played fast, loud, and hard. I was surprised Bobby didn’t break a string the way he slammed on that guitar. Steve Youth played about as complicated of a bass line as you can fit into a blazing fast punk song. I loved Kevin’s vocals, that distinct higher range is one of the things that has made 7Seconds so recognizable over there career. What an extraordinary band, they are celebrating there 30th anniversary so get out and see them!

All said and done it was a good night with very talented bands. It was a good reminder of what I love about punk rock. I hope Shire Road Club has more of these shows in store for us.