sandiegopunk.com
The Gizzards
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“If you can’t think for yourself, you’ll be just like everybody else,” declare the Gizzards in one of their original songs from their album, “Chop Off Your Head.” Their words describe and keep alive the old school punk ideal of DIY. Others might suggest that punk bands in the old school style are few and far between, and consider great bands an increasing oddity. I submit that such critics have never seen the Gizzards live. |
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The Gizzards have a loyal, local fan-base, many of whom are OB locals, where the Gizzards often play. There is no doubt, though, that as the Gizzards do their part to keep San Diego’s punk scene alive and healthy, many more will find themselves following the band to whatever part of San Diego they might play. Says Kelly, the Gizzards’ songs are “basic, and straight to the point: classic punk.” Basic, maybe… but every one of the Gizzards’ songs seems to be perfectly put together and expertly executed live, even while the band consumes their choice alcoholic beverages and exerts their highly potent and extremely contagious punk-rock fervor.
The Gizzards are often on the bill at Winston’s, and I’ve seen them at the Rhythm Lounge as well, but I saw them the most recently at Fannie’s in Spring Valley, where they headlined a show put together courtesy of LSD Promotions. Equipped with a tight set, plenty of beer and custom-made Gizzards grab bags containing assortments of uncooked pasta, garlic cloves, and even explosives from their M-80 collection, the Gizzards took the stage, opening with “Suicide,” one of my personal favorite Gizzards songs. “Shut The Fuck Up” was next on their set list, and it seemed to be as much a crowd favorite as their first song. “Cancer Cells” also received a spirited reaction. Gizzards enthusiasts were in good company, as the crowd seemed to know every word to every song. Some even joined the Gizzards onstage, including Solis singer Brian Francis Adams, 12cent and The Experiments drummer Brian Chase, and Rowland Bluntz of LSD Promotions. The Gizzards’ final song, “Get Drunk,” was the one that brought down the house. Not singing along was an impossibility. Their set was amazing, as I have come to expect from The Gizzards. Said one Gizzards enthusiast, “What a great way to spend a Saturday night. I mean, what else would you rather do?” I, personally, couldn’t think of anything.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of hanging out with the Gizzards at one of their shows, you’re missing a lot. Before their Fannie’s show, Matt was already “annihilated,” said Gizzards drummer Kelly, and he locked his keys inside their van. They used wire cutters to chop off a piece of the chain-link fence, and with a flashlight and the wire bent in through the door gap, they broke in MacGyver-style. Between their supportiveness of the local bands they play with, their own show onstage, and the down-to-earth nature of the guys in the band, the Gizzards are great musicians who also happen to be incredibly cool to hang with.
The Gizzards’ album, entitled “Chop Off Your Head,” is named for their song “Chopper,” which was inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984. Matt cites Orwell as inspiration for much of the band’s music. The Gizzards’ musical influences include JFA, MDC, Naked Ray Gun, Channel 3, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, the Dead Kennedys, the Circle Jerks, and the Subhumans, to name a few. With such influences, and phenomenal musicianship contributed by each of the Gizzards’ members, it’s no wonder that their album is making its way into so many San Diegans’ CD players. “Chop Off Your Head” features thirteen original tracks by the Gizzards, including an instrumental track subsequently entitled “Instrumental.” Their CD can be purchased through the band’s site for $10, and Gizzards buttons are also available. If you’re still not convinced that punk isn’t dead, I highly recommend seeing the Gizzards live… their next scheduled show is March 9th at Winston’s, with DPI, The Stitches and Broken Bottles, so mark your calendar. Other local bands the Gizzards recommend checking out include DPI, The Resevior Tips, The Yucks and The Experiments, some of their favorite bands to play with. Says Matt, “We are interested in punk rock, which means using your own mind, individuality and creativity to bring something to the table.” Thank you to the Gizzards for doing just that, and for keeping our local scene alive. Check out the Gizzards’ site, and let them know what you think… and support local punk rock!
- Molly
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