On day two of the Punk Rock Bowling Festival I arrived a bit late but just in time to see Catbite again. I loved them so much the night before I made sure I’d arrive to see them again. They were just as vibrant this time and just as adept at hitting me with the wow factor. Singer Brit Luna flitted about the stage like a ballerina. Keyboardist (Kayleigh Malloy) wore heavy blue eyeliner, had scraggly streaked hair and wore a pink checked shirt with a plaid skirt reminiscent of what a girl would wear at a Catholic school — very fascinating. My life is richer for having discovered this band and I will await anxiously for a Seattle appearance.
The next band was another new one for me and another female dominated group. This would be Los Angeles based Niis (pronounced nice). Again, this is a band that has no FB profile and little on line information. Their singer (Mimi SanDoe) had long red hair that flipped about as she strutted about the stage and filled the air with guttural screams. She wore a leather bikini with black calf length boots and black fishnets. The other female member sported short platinum hair while she writhed about playing bass guitar. Niis is a young band, releasing their first recording in 2022, but they put on a fabulous show and I hope they get more information on themselves out there and also of course that they come to Seattle. I would love to see them at their own show.
Following Niis I discovered yet another band called Destroy Boys. Hailing from Sacramento, Destroy Boys is fronted by two women Alexia Roditis – lead vocals and Violet Mayugba who played guitar and provided backing and sometimes lead vocals. They were backed by Narsai Malik – drums and David Orozco – guitar. Alexia wore a skimpy black vest & black knit boxer shorts. Her voice was succulent and smooth. Violet reminded me of the classic “tom boy” in tattered baggy jeans, an equally baggy t. Shirt and long untamed hair. Though their website mentions Violet as the bass player she played a mean guitar for their PRB set. The bass player was a big guy who wore blue denim overalls and was equally fascinating to watch. Destroy Boys are scheduled to tour during the next year so my fingers are crossed that Seattle will be one of their stops.
English punk legends (founded in 1980) Subhumans played next and it was oi to the world and oi to the max. The growling screams and jerky struts performed by front man (and founding member) Dick Lucas, ignited the stage and the crowd. Crowd surfers had security busy assisting them over the barricade in great succession. All members of Subhumans (Bruce Treasure – guitar, backing vocals, Phil Bryant – bass & Trotsky – drums) have been members since 1980 with the exception of bass player Phil who joined in 1983. I’ve known of the Subhumans for many years and I am beyond excited to have finally seen them live.
Finishing night two was Devo. I saw Devo in 81 and again in 82 when they played in Seattle. I’ve been a huge fan since 1980. Devo is part quirky sci-fi theatrics, part synth new wave, part punk. They’re one of the most unique bands ever to grace the airwaves. Mark Mothersbaugh still fronts Devo. Now in his seventies and sporting white hair, his vocals and energy were as strong as ever. They opened with Don’t Shoot, I’m A Man followed by Peekaboo. When they played Girl You Want (one of the first songs I heard by them) they donned their red “flower pot” hats and Mark tossed some identical hats into the crowd.
Later into their set they left the stage for about five minutes and returned wearing yellow jumpsuits. While Mark belted out Mongoloid and Uncontrollable Urge the rest of the band performed robotic movements. Then the band left the stage again for a short time and returned wearing matching black shorts, black t. Shirts (that all bore one letter of Devo) and knee pads and played Freedom Of Choice.
Then it was all over and so was day two. Seeing Devo was part going back in time and part seeing a new band. Their cover of the Stones’ Satisfaction is not only better than the original, it’s the best cover song ever in my humble opinion.Besides Mark, the current lineup consists of Gerald Casale – Bass Guitar, Bass Synthesizer, Vocals, Bob Mothersbaugh – Guitar, Vocals, Josh Hager – Guitar, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Josh Freese – Drums.
Now there was nothing left to do but catch the bus back to my hotel and wait for day three.
