Tranzmitors (Opening for D.O.A. and Dayglo Abortions)
September 19, 2008
Commodore Ballroom
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hey new friends! Prepare yourselves for something I do a LOT. I go to shows and I get so hyped on the opener that I hardly mention the headlining bands. This review will be no different! Onward!
The Tranzmitors had a tough job at Vancouver’s prestigious Commodore Ballroom last night. Being first on the bill is never easy, and in such a large and fancy-pants venue to boot. But when you’re a group of six pencil-thin lads in suits, there can be a fairly hefty cultural barrier to overcome when staring down the barrel of a Dayglo Abortions / D.O.A. audience of several hundred seasoned punks. Last night this disparity was most clearly expressed by the two mohawked arseholes standing front and center, arms extended, thumbs down throughout the first couple of songs. You see, the Tranzmitors are punks too but they’re a different breed. They’re much closer to The Clash and The Cure and proficiently they’re better musicians than either D.O.A. or the Dayglo Abortions. They look better, sound better, and are generally a lot more fun. For those three reasons, I was kinda concerned they might be in trouble opening the show.
But oh, those Tranzmitors…they weren’t daunted for a second. They marched out as a band of brothers, planted a tiny Tranzmitors sign right in the middle of the huge D.O.A. banner and staked their claim to that stage for a sizeable set. They stood their ground and let fly with a show every bit as dynamic and exciting as the ones they serve up regularly in smaller venues around town when they’re comfortably playing to their friends and the other bands in the scene. And how did the crowd react? I wouldn’t go so far as to say they filled the dance floor, but I’m happy to report that the band really won the place over in short order.
The floor itself remained a complete gongshow for the duration of the set. Drunken gangstas dancing in that gangsta style (wtf?) and dreadlocked, patchouli-scented hippy girls doing that weird whirly-dance (wtf?) while the premature moshers crashed into the confused looking scenesters (hahaha). This was pretty much the standard up front, but glancing back I could tell the crowd were pleasantly surprised. Sure, the Tranzmitors were just an opener, but they were a very good opener and I didn’t hear any calls for them to get the hell of the stage. For anyone whose ever been to a punk show and witnessed the abuse that some of these kids receive, that means that the Tranzmitors set was a total success. Notable songs of the evening, for those wanting to check out their music, were Plastic Genocide, Glamour Girls and Teen Man.
If you want to see the Tranzmitors live, you should keep an eye on their MySpace page. Their next show is at the Astoria bar on September 17th here in Vancouver. If the Astoria reopens, that is. Apparently they’re shut down right now. Oh East Hastings bars, when will you rascals ever learn?
On the Dayglo Abortions:
The Dayglo’s formed in 1979. For those keeping score at home, that means I was two years old when these gutter punks first hit the stage. So, you know, it’s kinda embarrassing that they’re still going. And that they’re still gutter punks. Anyway, the crowd loved them so much that they demanded and received an encore. Oh, and I threw a cup full of ice at the drummer. That was pretty much the highlight of the Dayglo Abortions set for me.
On D.O.A.:
They’re the original Canadian punk-rock warlords. If you even remotely like punk rock music, then you go see D.O.A. whenever they play in town. Joe “Shithead” Keithley is as righteous now as he ever was, and the fact that the rest of the band is a revolving door is of no consequence. D.O.A. killed the show just like they always do and I got elbowed in the head twice. Remember dear readers: Talk - Action = O
Note: I generally take my own photos at a show except for when there is 100% chance of breaking my camera in a mosh pit.
September 21st, 2008 at 4:53 am
Not my kind of genre,but well written and very informative good to have you on board Ian
September 21st, 2008 at 7:29 am
I sure was a fan of Dayglo Abortions back in the day. Feed US A Fetus was an essential part of my daily diet. Nicely done, Ian!
September 21st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I think I’m in Mark’s boat about the headliners - gutterpunk not being my thang - but based on your description I’ll have to check out the Tranzmitors!
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Excellent review Ian!