Philly Spotlight
By Dave Quaile

Hate and War - Creep Records and S.R.A. Records (Photo By Matt LaRoche)

There was a time when going to a punk rock show meant that one of the risks was not only getting your ass kicked in the pit, but also getting stabbed by the lead singer’s hair if you got too close. Hate and War is single handedly keeping that fear alive.

 The Ghouls were one of the city’s most influential crust punk bands, which unfortunately had to call it quits. After singer of The Ghouls, Robert Price, left the band, they shuffled members around a bit, making Johnny Douglas the new lead singer. The band saw themselves going in a different direction musically once they made the change, so along with their music, their name would change also.

Hate and War plays fast, loud, punk that tackles some serious issues. Songs about the streets of Philly getting worse and worse carry the message that people need to work together to benefit the city. Although their message sometimes may be on the more serious side, the band puts on a live show full of energy keeping the crowd  pumped .

December is proving to be a busy month for Hate and War as they prepare for a tour with The Klix.  The tour spans seven states in seven days and takes place from December, 26 until New Years Day.

They will be home for New Years Eve, playing a show at The Black Sheep in Philly before they head to Virginia for the last day of tour. You should definitely get out and see this band to witness the raw energy that carried over from one great punk band to the next.

www.hateandwar.net
www.myspace.com/hateandwar

Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause- Unsigned (Photo by Anthony Nocella)

It is with a heavy heart that I write my first Philly Spotlight about a band that no longer exists. About a month ago, Philadelphia lost one of its most influential ska bands. Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause brought three years of hard, fun, ska to the Philadelphian masses. In their short three year existence the band released one full length and one EP, both of which received rave reviews. For anyone who has heard this band it is no surprise why.

LMLC were the aftermath of existing Philadelphia ska bands that had previously disbanded, 80 Proof Soul and Long shot hero. The members picked up where their old bands left off and turned it into something more than your run of the mill ska band. Taking Philly by storm, they quickly established a sound all their own. It is easy to lump bands of the same genre together, but Last Martyrs established their own personality with their music, which made them a tough band to categorize. With energetic horns, catchy melodies and punk driven guitar work, the band brought something wholly original to the scene.

Unfortunately, it is too late to see this band play live, but although they are no longer making music, their previously recorded albums are definitely two worth adding to your collection.  Sunrays to Starlight , released in December of 2008, is a prime example of LMLC in their element, combining memorable hooks, and captivating music to make an unforgettable, 13-track gem.

For those of you who are fans and are mourning the loss, the only consolation I can offer is for you to be thankful to have heard them. For those of you who missed out on the opportunity to see them live, I am truly sorry. It is not too late however to purchase one of their albums and experience the greatness that was Last Martyrs of a Lost Cause.

www.lastmartyrsofalostcause.com

Mean Streets- Longshot/Slab O’Wax Records (Photo by Jean Schwarzwalder)

Forming in spring of 2006, Mean Streets are taking a much more poppy approach when writing their tunes. With sounds similar to Dillinger Four and vocal stylings reminiscent of Shook Ones, the band is an absolute must for your IPod or vinyl collection.

Basically, Mean Streets is a group of friends playing not-so-basic punk and having a great time while doing it. Adding a little flair to your average two-chord punk rock song, Mean Streets incorporates guitar effects and complicated parts, while keeping group vocals and a certain simplicity that keeps them genuine. The Rhythm section is not to be disregarded either, not exactly amazing, but definitely fits well with the music. Not every drummer has to be extremely talented to be extremely creative. In songs like “Nowhere,” the drums prove to be well thought out and perfectly placed.

In 2009, Mean Streets has spent a lot of time in the studio, releasing two 7” records on two separate record labels, and one full-length album. Be on the lookout for Mean Streets in 2010, because if next year is anything like this one, you can expect great things. Their closest show coming up is in Trenton, New Jersey on December 12 at the Mill Hill Saloon. That may seem like a far drive for a show, but it would definitely be worth making the trip. Usually you can catch the band playing at The Fish Flat (308 Belgrade Street) or The Halfway House in Philly.

They are a band I look forward to seeing as soon as possible and one I cannot wait to add to my record collection.

www.myspace.com/meanstreetspa

Parkwright- Unsigned (Photo By Chris Derrick)

In 2008, Parkwright released, their self-titled EP, but little did they know that only one year later, their band would be named the Mid-Atlantic Band Competition Champions. The Lehigh Valley five-piece rock band has accomplished a lot in their short stint as a band, opening for such acts as the Ting-Tings and Person L.

The band has made quite the name for themselves in the Philadelphia area, playing at different colleges and bars around the city. If you are into jam bands and rock and roll from the times that Pearl Jam and Bush were in their prime, you should definitely look into Parkwright.

Fresh off of a summer tour, the band has not slowed down at all, releasing a new album, Love, Self Destruction, which is available now for download on iTunes. Their music finds a nice balance between indie rock and mid- ‘90s rock and roll, creating a mellow sound that is nice if you want to sit back and enjoy a beer. Citing The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Counting Crows as their influences, it is easy to see how the band stumbled across their sound.

In the last few months, the band has been touring and has been featured on radio stations such as WXPN and Radio 104.5. This is a name you will be sure to hear in the next year or so, and should slowly be making their way into the limelight. This band needs your support on the rise to recognition, so check out their new album and see what everyone is talking about. Definitely check them out soon, so when they finally do hit the big time, you can be one of the people that say, “I was listening to them before they were cool.”

www.myspace.com/parkwrightmusic