U.S. Bombs, Indecisive Youth & Ballistics

Okay, so LaSalle’s is not the first venue that comes to mind when you’re thinking about attending a punk rock show in Chico, which really doesn’t make sense to me at all. The venue boasts a perfect stage and a great sound system. I suppose that rockers have their reasons for rebelling against specific local watering holes, though every show I’ve seen there has been brilliant.
On this, another potentially brilliant evening of rock, I arrived just a few songs into the driving, fluid punk rock of locals Ballistics. The group always exudes massive amounts of energy into their set and Wednesday was no different. The aforementioned sound system really brought out some aspects of the group that I had not been privy to in shows past. The vocalist’s once smooth vocal presence was now dominated by a guttural scream that complemented the double bass beats laid down by their talented drummer. The group always portrays a sense of enthusiasm that is really lacking from some of the “boo-hoo” rockers currently occupying local taverns.
The next group to grace the stage was the incomparable Indecisive Youth. I have been a fan of this group for a long time now, and they continue to perform tirelessly their unique brand of “bubble punk” to frothing local punks. I may never understand how Indecisive Nick can spin circles and play squealing guitar solos simultaneously, but I know that I love it. My request to hear “Final E” was met with a gracious acceptance and really sealed my already sneaking suspicion that the night would once again take on the “brilliant” moniker that, for one reason or another, I so readily hand out to local shows.
Now, I’ll admit that I am not very familiar with U.S. Bombs, other than the fact that I could swear that they were the house band for Premium Blend on Comedy Central. I’ll also admit that, though I indulge in listening to old school punk rock from time to time, it’s really not my cup of tea. So as U.S. Bombs took the stage, I listened with an open mind and a pint of Pale Ale, just in case my ears became traumatically offended. I soon found myself right in the front of the stage, dodging crusty punk rockers and rocking out to some truly old school punks. There’s something comforting about a man who has to be nearly 50 years old with tattoos on his head, belting out punk tunes with severe youthful exuberance. The group played what I assume were some of their more classic songs as everyone in the pit was singing along and seemed satisfied by their hero’s presence at such an inhospitable location. The Bombs stuck around and chatted with locals as people began filing out into the brisk Chico night. Curious whispers of punks all over Chico stating “Man, you shoulda been at LaSalle’s last night” were sure to be heard Thursday morning.

– Ryan Prado
– Photo by Alyssa Starkey

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