Where have all the punkers gone?

It’s hard to know for whom Brody Dalle writes songs nowadays. Her new band, Spinnerette, opened their recent show at the Troubadour in Hollywood with “Valium Knights,” which is possibly the only song in their repertoire that resembles the shadow of the music with which she once delighted audiences. Songs like “Borderline” and “Ghetto Love” appeal more to Hollywood’s trendy who cannot, for the life of them, dance their way out of a shoe box. Apparently, this group of Hollywood trendies made up most of the audience, all mimicking a guitarless Dalle’s lead in a way that can only be described as a Christina Model-esque shrugging of shoulders to monotonous drum beats.

As for the guitar, it was inaudible through most of a set that included such pseudo dance numbers as “Geeking,” which was virtually nothing but a bass too loud, as well as metronome-like drums. However, this is not to say the entire show was without highlights. For instance, while singing without her guitar again in “Distorting a Code,” Dalle treated us to what can only be construed as her version of Carlton Banks from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

It’s hard to imagine that this band will not go far, as many people enjoy dancing, as well as celebrities impersonating has-beens. If not, Dalle and company have a future waiting for them in entertaining children. After all, it is quite possible that these songs started as lullabies. One thing is clear, the days of singing, “We are kids, we play punk rock and roll, if we didn’t we got no soul” are long gone (“Sick of it All,” Sing Sing Death House, Hell Cat records, 2002).

I'm not one for venturing into the Valley, but when a buddy of mine invites me to see a co-worker's "up-and-coming" band, I simply can't resist. Having worked in radio and the music industry, I make it my duty to see as much new talent as possible. This attitude has allowed be to see New Brunswick, New Jersey's hometown post-hardcore heroes Thursday in a basement, as well as emo-newbies Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and Coheed & Cambria grace the infamous Birch Hill Nite Club's stage, all in the same evening (granted, this was in 2001, but you know you’re jealous). Don't get me wrong, Panic At The Disco (sadly, they've dropped their !) isn't hard on the ears, but with all the bands that sound like them, it's time to find new talent with a new sound. So this Jersey boy jumped into his Jeep and headed west for his own version of manifest destiny: finding tomorrow's supergroup, today.

Universal Bar and Grill would be the last place in Los Angeles County I'd expect to see a punk show, especially during The Lakers finals. Who would win this evening's competition, the sports bar's basketball loving locals or a three-piece rock group and their small group of adoring fans, including the bassist's mom?

The Dedication, consiting of Brooke on vocals/guitar, Shannon on vocals/bass and Rob on drums, took to the stage at 10pm, an hour later than expected (how very punk of them). From their first song, it was easy to tell that the band's influences included Cali natives Green Day and Blink 182. Their set ranged from pogo-fused pop-punk to the alternative sounds of Blondie and The Cure. Importantly, it wasn't just the girls who were digging Brooke's piss and vinegar attitude; even the biggest Laker fan would take his eyes off of the game and give Brooke the attention she demanded during "Loser Ex-Boyfriend," an ode to, you guessed it, a loser ex-boyfriend. Pretty much everyone related to this catchy punk tune, regardless of the sex of their ex. In addition to their fun-filled pop-punk, the group's on-stage banter kept the audience laughing; Brooke and Shannon giggled in between songs, like two old friends catching up over a malt shake. Apparently, “boobies” is a tough word to say with a straight face. Thanks for that tidbit Brooke!

When the group's original singer left, Brooke proved her dedication by taking the baton.  This is a band that just won't quit! They are currently recording a new album and will be featured on Fuse TV later this summer. Check out The Dedication on http://www.myspace.com/thededication.

 "What got me into guitars was metal… but when I was growing up I liked Cyndi Lauper and Roxette… everyone in the band has pretty varied music taste,” admits Rainbow with a smirk. The Birthday Massacre, a six-piece group from Ontario, Canada, defies genres, and the same can be said of their fans. Punks, candy kids, and metal-heads alike filled LA’s Wiltern Theater to sold-out capacity. Each subculture stood united; this wasn't just a rock concert, it was a phenomenon.

As the lights dimmed and The Birthday Massacre took the stage, a sea of mohawks, fairy wings and leather jackets rallied together and screamed, “Chibi!” in unison.  And their cries were heard!  A petite temptress dressed in a school girl uniform arose from the darkness, flashed a crooked smile and demanded everyone's attention as Owen struck the opening chords on his synth keyboard.

There is no longer need to hire a composer to score a horror movie; The Birthday Massacre creates industrial-fused-synth-rock that the likes of Freddy Kruger would listen to as he slashes sugar-coated dreams into blood-soaked nightmares.  The essence of TBM's music is pure emotion. The group demanded feeling with each song, whether it was pain, love, or the beauty in loving pain. And for any non-believers, TBM is not a Goth group.

"We are whatever kind of music you want us to be. You can't place us in one genre," warrants Rainbow. Besides, when was the last time you saw a kid with a Metallica shirt at a Goth concert? My point exactly!

Simply, this tight-knit band of musicians are pure entertainers.  While marching onstage, Rainbow routinely cracks his skull with his fist (in between chords, of course); not too shabby for a man whose name signifies something quite passive). And like the mythological Sirens, Chibi’s enchanting vocals transform songs like “Looking Glass” and “Happy Birthday” into gorgeous death cries.

Be sure to check out The Birthday Massacre in support of Mindless Self Indulgence, Tub Ring, and Julien-K this summer. Their new album, The Looking Glass EP, is available at shows and on theiir website.  This compilation features new material, remixes, and a dark, synth-soaked cover of Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now."