It’s a good thing that Keith Morris, formerly of Black Flag and Circle Jerks, decided to continue recording and performing hardcore punk music. With OFF!, Morris is perpetuating the nostalgic scene that was dear to so many anarcho-punks of old, giving today’s youth a more tangible reason to call themselves hardcore. Although Morris appears to be balding (the frontman has dreadlocks that must be falling out one by one) he retains his in-your-face attitude and on-stage energy.
OFF! only formed in 2010, but the band has already been around the block in Chicago, playing Pitchfork Festival last summer to a lively young crowd just as eager as Morris to extend the culture of minute-long punk songs into its own generation. The man shows no signs of stopping either, with OFF!’s self-titled record released earlier this year. Songs on this LP are equally as raw as anything Morris has done in the past. It’s the real deal.
Also in OFF! are Dimitri Coats of Burning Brides on guitar, Steven Shane McDonald of Redd Kross on bass and Mario Rubalcaba on the drums, comprising a proper punk supergroup worthy as headlining the Congress. Too bad they’re relegated to opening for reunited Swedish punks Refused. (Maddie Rehayem)
July 26 at Congress Theater, 2135 North Milwaukee, (773)276-1235. Doors at 6:30pm. $29.50.
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
