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| The Misfits / Agent Orange |
Ear-Pollution Show |
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| October 30th, 2004 21:48 |
MISFITS
AGENT ORANGE
TRIOXIN EXPERIMENT
RITUAL HAVOC
October 30, 2004 @ the Majestic Ventura Theater (Ventura, CA)
Review and Photos by: Mark Whitaker
Since Sunday was Halloween, it was only fitting that the Misfits were in town playing a show. I am a big fan of the Misfits music and Jerry Only and the rest of the crew always put on a good show. I also wanted to hear some of the new songs off the PROJECT 1950 album, featuring covers of classic songs, from the 50's and 60's. One of the nice things about going to the Ventura Theater is the free parking across the street, gotta love free parking. Also with the new lighting guy really knowing how to light a show, the light there is beautiful. When I arrived it looked like it was going to be a packed concert since most of the lower levels of the parking garage were already filled. I made my way in and was greeted by the familiar heavy metal riffs of Ritual Havoc. Ritual Havoc had the crowd going with Joe's deep bass lines and the dual layered intensity of "Jebus" and Chris's guitars. Hell yeah, two horns way up, Ritual Havoc sounded even harder and faster than the first time I saw the band perform. Bringing heavy metal out of the barrio of Santa Paula and to the masses, Ritual Havoc did not disappoint, playing fast and heavy Ritual Havoc are a welcome addition to the Ventura County music scene. As a finale Ritual havoc brought out a friend to help Johnny with the Vocal duties. After their performance the band members took time and threw out copies of their demo cd to all the screaming, adoring fans, who fell all over each other to grab a copy.
Taking the name from a scene in the movie Return of the Living Dead 3, Trioxin Experiment, came on stage and after a little warming up kicked out some solid rock grooves, with good energy as they jumped about the stage. I wasn't too thrilled with Trioxin experiment, honestly after seeing the intensity of Ritual Havoc, I felt that Trioxin Experiment's performance was a little lackluster and I started getting bored. While the members of the band were good musicians, I just didn't feel the energy. In their defense Trioxin Experiment did perform a solid rendition of a T.S.O.L. song.
My boredom was quickly ended when Agent Orange, took the stage, I had first their music on an old skate video entitled Skate Visions and was hooked on the band's music. Bringing hard-hitting punk lyrics and surf style influenced guitars Agent Orange were tearing up the stage in no time. Agent Orange's drummer was killing his drums with a ferocious intensity, his blond hair flying as he banged away on his kit. The singer also on guitar would dance around onstage taking time to step away from the mic, and let his guitar do the singing, that was cool because I hate when bands just stand there with no movement when they sing. Some bands are the exception but it's rare. Agent Orange has a new addition to the band, Bruce Taylor of JFA has taken up bass duties for the band, and he was great, playing with an intense look of concentration on his face. Agent orange was well loved by the crowd with roars of energetic cheers and whistles as they rested between songs.
After a stellar performance by Agent Orange, New Jersey's favorite b-movie horror punks Misfits were on, playing spooky horror themed songs. As usual the Misfits were going to do three sets. One set would be Misfits songs: the second set would be Black Flag songs followed by Ramones covers, then time permitting more Misfits songs. To the roar of approval of the crowd Jerry strode onstage grabbed his bass and tore into such classic classics as "One Last Caress," and of course you can't forget the ever popular sing a long chorus of "138." Last time I saw the Misfits, Marky Ramone seemed to be in a bad mood but this time around he was in a great mood talking with the fans and having a good time. When he took a seat behind his drums and started playing I could see the intensity of his performance as his cymbals crashed around him as he furiously played, his head bobbing in time to the beat. Dez was solemn and intense as he played, his long hair in his face, the light giving him a dramatic look. I always admire the speed at which Jerry can play since he doesn't use a pick. Jerry was keeping the crowd going with all the songs they wanted to hear. After the end of the show it was time for the fans to storm the front of the barricade and have Jerry, Marky and Dez sign everything for them, posters, song lists, t-shirts, Jerry was more than happy to sign them for his adoring fans. Marky and Dez took time to autograph several items for the fans before retiring. Since we were so close to Halloween, I had hoped to hear "Monster Mash" but they didn't play it, oh well, maybe they played it on Halloween in Anaheim. Overall I had a great time, the Misfits are always a great band to see, and seeing them so close to Halloween made the show a special treat.
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