Preview
THE CASUALTIES
Tuesday, September 28
The Warehouse
Originating back in 1990 as a reaction to how punk rock’s liberty-spiked, leather-jacketed heyday had given way to plaid grunge and lame synth-rock, New York’s The Casualties may look like the biggest bunch of dyed-in-the-wool punkers today, but these crusties are all about the metal.
"Iron Maiden fuckin’ rules," shouts guitarist Jake Kolatis, proudly showing off his Eddie (Maiden’s undead mascot) necklace. "People think that as punk rockers, we can’t listen to anything outside of our realm. There’s more to punk rock than just Mohawks and circle pits. It’s supposed to be about finding your identity (and) about being an individual. When the hell did it become so close-minded? People still seem shocked that I can like punk and metal at the same time…. What is this? 1982?"
Listening to the band’s latest Side One Dummy effort, On The Front Line, it’s impossible to imagine how anyone couldn’t see the direct influx of rock and metal in The Casualties’ music. From the primal aggression of "Death Toll" to the oi-influence of the debut single "Tomorrow Belongs to Us," this band is keen on making their punk that much more of a kick in the crotch.
"And the only way to do that," notes Kolatis, "is to make your music unique. You have to embrace the finer elements of other great music. But when you put it that way, it’s almost scary to think that (Maiden bassist) Steve Harris has had a direct impact on punk rock. I’m sure he’d be really happy to hear that, huh?"
Taking their upcoming cross-Canada tour as an opportunity to spread the word of punk rock, The Casualties hope that their journey is not in vain. Having trekked across the Great White North a few times before, they admit to seeing the tide slowly turn to a more embracing, open forum. Unfortunately, though, it only seems to be among the youngest punk rock fans.
"They’re the ones who aren’t jaded yet," says drummer Meggers Anderson. "When you see all of these punk rockers shooting down whatever’s popular at the moment, you know they’ll never be reached again. It doesn’t mean we don’t try, but you know it’s one tough fight. They’ve lost what the true spirit of punk should be: an open mind."
"But if we can get to these fresh minds before anyone else," says bassist Rick Lopez, "they’ll be ours for the moulding!"
"Kids have it a lot easier these days," adds Anderson. "When I was getting into punk, guys were huge and scary. You’d get into the pit for two songs and be beaten to hell. I thought I was gonna die! I got my nose broken once from being in the pit. Today, kids are barely bouncing off of each other. Maybe that danger will come back one day, though. Maybe we’ll bring that adrenalin of punk rock back."
"There aren’t a lot of bands going for that," continues Kolatis. "They’re trying to hit a middle ground instead of going for what they love. I want to put out that feeling I got when I heard the Misfits for the first time. I like aggressive music and I want people to feel that passionate about what The Casualties are doing. To just kind of like something doesn’t have the same power to it. You need to be compelled by it."
Naturally, The Casualties do see the merit in bands who are on a different page altogether. They’re not out to make enemies…they just aspire to bring those cut from the same cloth even closer together, says Lopez.
"Those bands are selling records though. They’re not true to music, but I guess they’re making money. I think people take a liking to something they identify with. We could sing about dragons and swords, but if we just put out what we’re going through, people will be drawn to the realism." But if they just wanna see some crazy dudes rockin’ out, that’s fine, too. As long as it’s sincere, we’re into it." |
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