Manuevering Through the Chaos in Tejas

WV’s quick guide from bands to eats

By Matt Viel

Fuck yes! The sixth annual Chaos In Tejas festival is here. Since its inception in 2004, Chaos has been known for having ‘dream show’ lineups featuring bands from across the globe. This year is no different. The lineup includes a one-time reunion of Japanese hardcore legends Bastard, Rorschach, The Marked Men, Bastard Noise, and a shitload more. And that’s the thing, between all the bands you can lose sight of all the other sites to hit up this weekend, from art shows to record stores and, of course, food. So instead of hanging around the venues (Emo’s, Red 7, The Mohawk, Beerland, The Broken Neck) or just trying to cop tickets to some of the fest’s sold out shows, you could always check out our picks.

But first: the bands!

10 Bands I’m Looking Forward to Seeing at Chaos in Tejas 2010

Mammoth Grinder : Hometown Death Metal trio (hitting Chaos as a quartet with Alex from Hatred Surge on second guitar) play the first official show of the fest (at a free art show) and one of the last shows of the fest (with Rorschach and Bastard Noise).
Bastard Noise: Wood back on vocals and playing the “Four Steel Girders”? Connell behind the drum kit? Nelson on the electronics? It’s the closest I’ll probably ever get to seeing Man Is The Bastard, and I guarantee it will be insane.
Rorschach: If you would have told me three years ago that I would get the chance to see Rorschach twice in one night (September 2009 in NYC) I would have told you you’re crazy. If you would have told me I would get to see them a THIRD time less than a year later I would have probably smacked you for lying to me. But they’ll be headlining Emo’s Sunday night with the aforementioned Bastard Noise and Mammoth Grinder playing with them. Maybe the show I’m looking forward to the most.
Bastard: Japanese hardcore legends. If you don’t know, ask somebody. Their only LP Wind of Pain is not only one of the greatest Japanese hardcore records ever, it’s one of the best hardcore records period. Their first show in 10 years and their only reunion gig.
The Marked Men : When the Marked Men called it quits in 2009 I was incredibly upset because I had never seen them live. Now, I’ll get to see them twice (maybe more? Bridge show anyone?) in one weekend.
Rival Mob : The BEST band currently playing hardcore. Not only are they playing the BASTARD show, but they’re also playing an after-party Thursday night with just about every awesome current Boston hardcore band you can think of.
Gehenna: I’m excited to witness the madness of Gehenna’s infamous live shows in person for the first time this weekend. Hopefully there’s more than a boombox and burrito present for this one.
Hex Dispensers: I first heard the Hex Dispensers earlier this year when someone described them to be as “The Marked Men covering the Misfits” and I was blown away upon my first listen.
Iron Lung: I’m looking forward to the usual intense show the Seattle-based hardcore duo puts on. I’m not looking forward to catching them at 11 a.m. on Saturday when I’m hungover from the night before. At least they’re playing in a coffee shop so I can grab some caffeine to help wake me up…
The Spits: Loud, dirty, Garage-Punk from Seattle. I hear their live show is a hell of a good time. Can’t wait to witness it for myself.
Leatherface : Ah crap…

Eats:
Thundercloud Subs
If you think chain sub places do it the best, you haven’t been to Thundercloud. With fresh ingredients, a great atmosphere and plenty of vegetarian options (including veggie chicken subs), you’ll have a hard time making your way to any other sandwich shop

. -Jason Gardner

Hut’s Hamburgers
If you love anything about old-time burger joints and drive-ins, Hut’s is the place to be. You can pick up fried pickles, onion rings and burgers topped with everything including the kitchen sink.

--JG

Koriente
With a wide selection of vegan friendly dishes, Koriente prides itself on cutting back on the oils and sugars for a true healthy dining experience. Don’t worry though, carnivores can get their feed of chicken, beef or seafood without emptying their wallets.

--JG

Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria
A true Sicilian pizza place, Frank and Angie’s bring homemade ingredients to your pie without losing any of the charm this place creates. Throw in cannolis and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

--JG

Tiff’s Treats
If you have a sweet tooth that requires cookies or any derivative thereof, Tiff’s multiple locations should be your destination. With a variety of cookies to choose from and milk to boot, you might find it hard not to eat an entire dozen of these treats.

--JG

Vinyl:
Waterloo Records
Waterloo Records is an indie record store with an edge for things outside of the music world. While you can always catch a great in-store performance here or anywhere else, this is the only record store I’ve ever known to host Scion cars to test drive.

--JG

End of an Ear
Don’t let the baby blue exterior of End of an Ear throw you off, this is not a kid’s store. A widely ranged selection and nifty art space make this a great stop for vinyl collectors.

--JG

Antone’s Record Shop
Inhabiting Austin since 1987, Antone’s Record Shop has a flair for satisfying blues lovers for over two decades. Don’t let that fool you though, as Antone’s is also well-stocked various genres, as well as other formats such as 8-track and cassette.

--JG

BackSpin Records
The website says BackSpin Records always tries to provide fresh vinyl daily. If you are looking for hip-hop or dance vinyl, you can’t go wrong at BackSpin.

--JG

Breakaway Records
Sporting a new location, Breakaway Records has vinyl dating back to the ‘20s with a heavy selection of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. A self-proclaimed all-vinyl store, you’ll also find turntables, receivers and repair services.

--JG

Killing Time:

Austin Books & Comics
For more than 30 years, Austin Books & Comics has been providing books, comics, manga and more. In fact, this store stocks so much of said products that you can get a store map so you can find your comic desires with ease.

--JG

Mellow Johnny’s
Aiming to make cycling a way of life, Mellow Johnny’s is an all-in-one center for cyclists needing clothing, supplies or even repair service. The shop goes far enough to even provide commuter cyclists a place to shower as well as storage for your bike!

--JG

Tekgnar
Starting out as a skate park in 1987, tekgnar has evolved into Austin’s hub for skate gear while working with the community to create places for local skaters to shred. The bright blue building sure is hard to miss!

--JG

And if you’re not in Tejas this weekend, we’re hoping you’re either in Tacoma or Baltimore …

Rain Fest
May 28-30
Viaduct - Tacoma, WA
Prefer cloudy skies over swamp ass this Memorial Day weekend? Well there’s always Rain Fest at the Viaduct in Tacoma . The three-day fest will feature some of the best hardcore bands in the Northwest, as well as a number of out of town bands. Bands scheduled to appear include Indecision, Disembodied, Black Breath, Backtrack, End Of A Year, Foundation, Nails and more.
For more info, go to: myspace.com/rainfest

--MV

Maryland Death Fest
May 28-30, with a Pre-Party May 27
Baltimore, MD
Dust off your denim vests and jackets and get ready to break your neck headbanging, because rounding out the Memorial Day Festival Tri-Fecta is the Maryland Death Fest. This May marks the eighth year of the biggest Metal festival on the East Coast. This line-up is chock-full of legendary metal bands from across the world including Possessed, Entombed, Eyehategod, Pentagram, Obituary, Autopsy, Converge, DRI, and over 40 more at Club Sonar .
For more info, go to: marylanddeathfest.com

--MV