This I'm ashamed to say was my first gig this year!!! But what a band to bring me out the
traps for! Yeah Oakland's Oppressed Logic after months of feedback, interviews,
reviews and abuse finally make it to the centre of nowhere. There ain't many bands who
can drag me from the cool confines of a Wolverhampton bar on a humid summers night
easily these days. But these fuckers sure did, and I don't regret it for one minute. I even
got a disposable camera to capture the event.
I finally get to the venue around 7.00 with sweat pouring down my face after a 20 minute hike
around Birmingham. Birmingham the UK's second largest city is resembling bombed out Dresden
these days. It's like one massive fucking building site and hard to navigate. Well I eventually enter
the Old Railway after a brief pit stop over at the Eagle pub round the corner. When I walk in
there's a smattering of locals at the bar and it's looks decidedly VERY quiet! I walk through to the
gig room anticipating a non-event and who should I bump into coming the other way but Mrs
Adrienne Avilez. Aka Mrs O'Dogshit. She's the Canadian bass player in Oppressed Logic and
wife of Mr Mike 'Cyco 'Fuck what you heard' Avilez. I recognized her straight away with her twin
peaked purple Mohawks, Bunchoffuckingoofs t-shirt and trademark 15 hole Doctor Martin
footwear. In fact she looks exactly like she does on the cover of 'It's Harassment' CD. I go without
trying to scare her to death "alright Mrs O' Dogshit!" and she goes "Peter Don't Care?" in a
bemused manner. Well she's looking happy, healthy and in one piece. She enthusiastically tells
me the tours going great with no major mishaps. And Southend a few nights ago was great!!! I
ask where Mike and the rest of the band are? Mike's in the gig room watching the stall. Todd
Dammit the guitarist is in the bar watching the beer with the giant roadie/security/snorer and lead
singer PhilCreant from the Miscreants. This guy makes those American WWF wrestlers look
small!!! They are also joined by the driver guy from Leeds circa California. He looks the spit of
Richie Cunningham from Happy Days. Well I go and introduce myself to Mr Cyco Loco Logic who
was sporting a short dark Mohawk and goatee. He had more than a passing resemblance of
some Spanish Satan! Ha! I don't know how he does it but he only looks about 14 years old!!!!!!
But looks can be deceptive, cos Mike comes across as a pretty sharp streetwise character and
not one to miss an opportunity tee hee. He hands me a battered tape from out his suitcase with
some tracks they recorded at a local radio show recently. Well the stall looks good with a load of
Oppressed Logic merchandise including records, Cd's, tapes and T-shirts. Can't help thinking
to myself he'll be lucky to flog much at tonights gig. But I was after a t-shirt myself which I was
gonna buy after the gig but fucking forgot in the end grrrrrr. Anyway some of the local bands are
sound checking so me and Mrs Logic my Canadian translator for the night head for the bar. I
start leaking like an ice cube on a hot pavement as the first pint of Carlsberg hits the back of my
throat. And Adrienne done Canada proud in the drinking stakes cos she can knock em back as
good if not better than the Yanks Ha! After hearing some hilarious tour stories, with those mad
Germans springing to mind. I go over and meet Todd Dammit and friends. Dunno where the
drummer Gabe Skull was, probably doing drum rolls in the van? I believe he takes his art very
seriously. Well the Americans on parade seem obsessed with defacing ten pound notes! So with
the false lure of "free" food they are soon bought back down to earth by the bill arriving shortly
after. Seems like our friendly European cousins have yet again excelled themselves in touring
bands etiquette. Supplying travelling bands with gig money, free food, beer, lodgings, sex and
drugs and a carpet to gob on is common place! But the bubble is burst as soon as you enter
fortress UK. Cos all they get is no money, expensive bills, poor crowds and Mr Don't Care in his
'77 attire!!!! I felt sorry for em! But I did warn Mike what to expect and it seemed to be finally
sinking in. They openly admit they love Europe and intend going back but the UK ain't too
popular a choice for an unknown band. However they were by no means moaning. I'm the one
who does all the moaning! These are a good bunch and still have a good sensa yuma 3 weeks
into the tour. They took it all with a pinch of salt, even though some will be homeless when they
get back. Food finally arrives and they all tuck into 3 big plates of salads, meat and other fibre.
They kindly offer me some. And although tempted I decline, feeling they're gonna need it much
more than me in the next few days stay on these shores. Some local guy brings over a big
American flag which brings up a cheer. And as Todd Dammit sticks another Johnny Cash record
on the jukebox, he rolls up the flag like a true American at a state funeral and salutes Ha!
Wheres the fucking bugles when you need em?
Before you know it, local heroes Intension (who were added at short notice) start to make a
noise in the gig room. And I gotta say I ain't their biggest fan, having witnessed 'em at last years
Punks picnic. But on tonights performance they give it a real go and have improved 100%. Singer
Ian has found his niche with an energetic display. And he reminded me of a local version of Mr
Cyco himself. Except his vocals are a lot more screamy. He jumped around and changed pitch
faster than Axel rose on a speed ball. My only problem was he didn't confront his audience with
eye contact half as much as I'd expect. But if you've got about 20 at a push straggling the bar
and dark corners of the Railway it must've been pretty hard to connect in cold blood. Mike Cyco
was up front with his video camera taking shots of anything of interest. I wonder if he was thinking
to himself ...."are these gonna put my Cyco antics on the line?" Well Intension have got a good
sound in the hardcore arena with plenty going on. And the demo I got was a nice surprise with a
powerful dual guitar sound and original vocals. They went out with a bang as the singer stood
on stools venting his spiel and even giving the bar a mauling during the manic 'Code of
Misconduct' their best track and 'Positive' the last song of the set.
Next up were the strangely named Edward, who were completely new to me? They were
probably the quirkiest band of the night. Their bare-foot manic metallic hardcore made me wince
at times but were the funniest band of the night. Fair play to 'em cos everyone in the band gave
it loads of energy. And I gotta say everyone of the bands on display tonight deserve an
accolade for resilience to perform in this kinda heat. Hey it was even hard work watching...stood
by the bar!!!
Londoners 17 Stitches where on next. I'd heard a lot about 'em via the net but weren't too sure
what to expect. I love the name. They've been touring all over the place and were an
enthusiastic young bunch which is always good to see. But I thought they'd be more of an
Intension kinda style but were a lot more street punk in sound at least. Lots of manic playing
and energy thrown into a hardcore blender. I'd never heard 'em before so can't tell you about
the songs but they got all Oppressed Logic out to view the action. And seemed to go down
well with the locals too, who were actually making the place look less empty. Especially with
some sporadic movements up front. I thought the singer was a bit too tame for my liking. He
meant well, but needed a far more in your face approach and a bit more impact in his delivery.
Maybe a few more years on the street will take care of that. But they have youth on their side
and can always sort that out later if they really wanna. I had a brief chat later with 'em and I think
they're hungry enough...just a few more stitches are required!
By the time Oppressed Logic hit the stage everyone, support bands, and fans alike came
inside giving it a load more atmosphere. Biggest surprise was Todd Dammit who had got
decked out in that same American flag he so expertly folded earlier on. Was it Captain America
or some other caped crusader? And complete with a Blue Rapist mask? The rolled up trousers
he was sporting was a site for sore eyes. This outfit got a lot of laughter out the crowd and the
band. As Mike Cyco began his hyperactive stalking I think I detected a wicked gleam in his eye
as they kicked off in fine style with the brilliant 'Void Of Society'. And you knew it when they
started why they were headline band tonight. Tight, aggressive punk rock with a bit of
showmanship does no-one any harm!!!! They were the only band for me who had mastered the
balance between tunes and raw power, without it sounding sterile or an act. Maybe I'm biased
but it's great to witness a real punk band on stage now and again. Mike's short in stature but
big in style and had the crowd in his palm from start to finish. He's like some caged rat with a no
messing attitude. He throws himself around like the expletives in his songs. Pity I couldn't quite
catch all his in between song banter but I'm sure it had plenty of "Fuck you's" in there
somewhere. Todd's guitar slinging was no joke. He lights the fuel to Mikes angst and has his own
style. This ain't metal this is punk! Mrs O'Dogshit can play a mean bass too...even after half a
dozen Carlsberg's. You can see why she's not just the token female in this male confine, cos
she's the singers wife. She can play too! Gabe Skull is the hardcore backbone and although
he's a deadly serious powerful drummer, that element can only add to the bands sound. They
had a handful of their newer songs on show tonight like 'Mean Hippies' and the brilliant new
standard bearer 'No Choice' which is definitely another high in the bands career...."hardcore!"
'It's Not My Fault' is another new track to my ears with the unlimited supply of loco attack on
being picked on. Hey Mike how come it's never your fault?......"what you say motherfucker!!" I
can hear him reply. He dedicated 'Abort The Kids' to me the cheeky fecker. But I gotta say it's
one of my favourite Oppressed Logic songs, so cheers son! It inspired some highly explosive
energy being chucked around the room as the front rowers surge on the stage. As el
dementoid covered in beer laps it up. Todd's self penned 'This Is Reality' makes a great
impact as the machine gun lyrics are belted out cussing the American dream. And although it
sounds cold in print, it wasn't on the night. A great set that was only hitched by the absence of
the x-rated 'Little Girl' or 'Harassment' off the CD. Well I can't complain cos of the 14 songs on
show there wasn't one bummer. A great raw band so go check em out soon you won't forget it.
Biggest downer of the night was hearing off the band that they were playing here again the
following night with Snap Her and I couldn't make it Boo Hoo!
WORDS AND PICS: Peter Don't Care
traps for! Yeah Oakland's Oppressed Logic after months of feedback, interviews,
reviews and abuse finally make it to the centre of nowhere. There ain't many bands who
can drag me from the cool confines of a Wolverhampton bar on a humid summers night
easily these days. But these fuckers sure did, and I don't regret it for one minute. I even
got a disposable camera to capture the event.
I finally get to the venue around 7.00 with sweat pouring down my face after a 20 minute hike
around Birmingham. Birmingham the UK's second largest city is resembling bombed out Dresden
these days. It's like one massive fucking building site and hard to navigate. Well I eventually enter
the Old Railway after a brief pit stop over at the Eagle pub round the corner. When I walk in
there's a smattering of locals at the bar and it's looks decidedly VERY quiet! I walk through to the
gig room anticipating a non-event and who should I bump into coming the other way but Mrs
Adrienne Avilez. Aka Mrs O'Dogshit. She's the Canadian bass player in Oppressed Logic and
wife of Mr Mike 'Cyco 'Fuck what you heard' Avilez. I recognized her straight away with her twin
peaked purple Mohawks, Bunchoffuckingoofs t-shirt and trademark 15 hole Doctor Martin
footwear. In fact she looks exactly like she does on the cover of 'It's Harassment' CD. I go without
trying to scare her to death "alright Mrs O' Dogshit!" and she goes "Peter Don't Care?" in a
bemused manner. Well she's looking happy, healthy and in one piece. She enthusiastically tells
me the tours going great with no major mishaps. And Southend a few nights ago was great!!! I
ask where Mike and the rest of the band are? Mike's in the gig room watching the stall. Todd
Dammit the guitarist is in the bar watching the beer with the giant roadie/security/snorer and lead
singer PhilCreant from the Miscreants. This guy makes those American WWF wrestlers look
small!!! They are also joined by the driver guy from Leeds circa California. He looks the spit of
Richie Cunningham from Happy Days. Well I go and introduce myself to Mr Cyco Loco Logic who
was sporting a short dark Mohawk and goatee. He had more than a passing resemblance of
some Spanish Satan! Ha! I don't know how he does it but he only looks about 14 years old!!!!!!
But looks can be deceptive, cos Mike comes across as a pretty sharp streetwise character and
not one to miss an opportunity tee hee. He hands me a battered tape from out his suitcase with
some tracks they recorded at a local radio show recently. Well the stall looks good with a load of
Oppressed Logic merchandise including records, Cd's, tapes and T-shirts. Can't help thinking
to myself he'll be lucky to flog much at tonights gig. But I was after a t-shirt myself which I was
gonna buy after the gig but fucking forgot in the end grrrrrr. Anyway some of the local bands are
sound checking so me and Mrs Logic my Canadian translator for the night head for the bar. I
start leaking like an ice cube on a hot pavement as the first pint of Carlsberg hits the back of my
throat. And Adrienne done Canada proud in the drinking stakes cos she can knock em back as
good if not better than the Yanks Ha! After hearing some hilarious tour stories, with those mad
Germans springing to mind. I go over and meet Todd Dammit and friends. Dunno where the
drummer Gabe Skull was, probably doing drum rolls in the van? I believe he takes his art very
seriously. Well the Americans on parade seem obsessed with defacing ten pound notes! So with
the false lure of "free" food they are soon bought back down to earth by the bill arriving shortly
after. Seems like our friendly European cousins have yet again excelled themselves in touring
bands etiquette. Supplying travelling bands with gig money, free food, beer, lodgings, sex and
drugs and a carpet to gob on is common place! But the bubble is burst as soon as you enter
fortress UK. Cos all they get is no money, expensive bills, poor crowds and Mr Don't Care in his
'77 attire!!!! I felt sorry for em! But I did warn Mike what to expect and it seemed to be finally
sinking in. They openly admit they love Europe and intend going back but the UK ain't too
popular a choice for an unknown band. However they were by no means moaning. I'm the one
who does all the moaning! These are a good bunch and still have a good sensa yuma 3 weeks
into the tour. They took it all with a pinch of salt, even though some will be homeless when they
get back. Food finally arrives and they all tuck into 3 big plates of salads, meat and other fibre.
They kindly offer me some. And although tempted I decline, feeling they're gonna need it much
more than me in the next few days stay on these shores. Some local guy brings over a big
American flag which brings up a cheer. And as Todd Dammit sticks another Johnny Cash record
on the jukebox, he rolls up the flag like a true American at a state funeral and salutes Ha!
Wheres the fucking bugles when you need em?
Before you know it, local heroes Intension (who were added at short notice) start to make a
noise in the gig room. And I gotta say I ain't their biggest fan, having witnessed 'em at last years
Punks picnic. But on tonights performance they give it a real go and have improved 100%. Singer
Ian has found his niche with an energetic display. And he reminded me of a local version of Mr
Cyco himself. Except his vocals are a lot more screamy. He jumped around and changed pitch
faster than Axel rose on a speed ball. My only problem was he didn't confront his audience with
eye contact half as much as I'd expect. But if you've got about 20 at a push straggling the bar
and dark corners of the Railway it must've been pretty hard to connect in cold blood. Mike Cyco
was up front with his video camera taking shots of anything of interest. I wonder if he was thinking
to himself ...."are these gonna put my Cyco antics on the line?" Well Intension have got a good
sound in the hardcore arena with plenty going on. And the demo I got was a nice surprise with a
powerful dual guitar sound and original vocals. They went out with a bang as the singer stood
on stools venting his spiel and even giving the bar a mauling during the manic 'Code of
Misconduct' their best track and 'Positive' the last song of the set.
Next up were the strangely named Edward, who were completely new to me? They were
probably the quirkiest band of the night. Their bare-foot manic metallic hardcore made me wince
at times but were the funniest band of the night. Fair play to 'em cos everyone in the band gave
it loads of energy. And I gotta say everyone of the bands on display tonight deserve an
accolade for resilience to perform in this kinda heat. Hey it was even hard work watching...stood
by the bar!!!
Londoners 17 Stitches where on next. I'd heard a lot about 'em via the net but weren't too sure
what to expect. I love the name. They've been touring all over the place and were an
enthusiastic young bunch which is always good to see. But I thought they'd be more of an
Intension kinda style but were a lot more street punk in sound at least. Lots of manic playing
and energy thrown into a hardcore blender. I'd never heard 'em before so can't tell you about
the songs but they got all Oppressed Logic out to view the action. And seemed to go down
well with the locals too, who were actually making the place look less empty. Especially with
some sporadic movements up front. I thought the singer was a bit too tame for my liking. He
meant well, but needed a far more in your face approach and a bit more impact in his delivery.
Maybe a few more years on the street will take care of that. But they have youth on their side
and can always sort that out later if they really wanna. I had a brief chat later with 'em and I think
they're hungry enough...just a few more stitches are required!
By the time Oppressed Logic hit the stage everyone, support bands, and fans alike came
inside giving it a load more atmosphere. Biggest surprise was Todd Dammit who had got
decked out in that same American flag he so expertly folded earlier on. Was it Captain America
or some other caped crusader? And complete with a Blue Rapist mask? The rolled up trousers
he was sporting was a site for sore eyes. This outfit got a lot of laughter out the crowd and the
band. As Mike Cyco began his hyperactive stalking I think I detected a wicked gleam in his eye
as they kicked off in fine style with the brilliant 'Void Of Society'. And you knew it when they
started why they were headline band tonight. Tight, aggressive punk rock with a bit of
showmanship does no-one any harm!!!! They were the only band for me who had mastered the
balance between tunes and raw power, without it sounding sterile or an act. Maybe I'm biased
but it's great to witness a real punk band on stage now and again. Mike's short in stature but
big in style and had the crowd in his palm from start to finish. He's like some caged rat with a no
messing attitude. He throws himself around like the expletives in his songs. Pity I couldn't quite
catch all his in between song banter but I'm sure it had plenty of "Fuck you's" in there
somewhere. Todd's guitar slinging was no joke. He lights the fuel to Mikes angst and has his own
style. This ain't metal this is punk! Mrs O'Dogshit can play a mean bass too...even after half a
dozen Carlsberg's. You can see why she's not just the token female in this male confine, cos
she's the singers wife. She can play too! Gabe Skull is the hardcore backbone and although
he's a deadly serious powerful drummer, that element can only add to the bands sound. They
had a handful of their newer songs on show tonight like 'Mean Hippies' and the brilliant new
standard bearer 'No Choice' which is definitely another high in the bands career...."hardcore!"
'It's Not My Fault' is another new track to my ears with the unlimited supply of loco attack on
being picked on. Hey Mike how come it's never your fault?......"what you say motherfucker!!" I
can hear him reply. He dedicated 'Abort The Kids' to me the cheeky fecker. But I gotta say it's
one of my favourite Oppressed Logic songs, so cheers son! It inspired some highly explosive
energy being chucked around the room as the front rowers surge on the stage. As el
dementoid covered in beer laps it up. Todd's self penned 'This Is Reality' makes a great
impact as the machine gun lyrics are belted out cussing the American dream. And although it
sounds cold in print, it wasn't on the night. A great set that was only hitched by the absence of
the x-rated 'Little Girl' or 'Harassment' off the CD. Well I can't complain cos of the 14 songs on
show there wasn't one bummer. A great raw band so go check em out soon you won't forget it.
Biggest downer of the night was hearing off the band that they were playing here again the
following night with Snap Her and I couldn't make it Boo Hoo!
WORDS AND PICS: Peter Don't Care
| Don't Come Back! |
| Oppressed Logic, 17 Stitches, Edward, Intention |
| Birmingham, Old Railway |
| Tuesday July 3rd 2001 |
| Mike gives the Brummy punks some logic |
| GIG TRIVIA |
| The ice cold Carlsberg lager cost £2.00 a pint! Oppressed Logic don't bother sound checking before a gig. They must have accumulated hours of gig video footage, coz if Mike ain't shooting something the Roadie was. They stopped in a couple of German punks flats whilst on the Gereman leg of the tour. And all the Germans could say in English was "you can spit on the carpet if you want!" Mike got warned by Belgium Police about his spitting the first day he arrived in Europe. Todd Dammit doesn't wanna go home! Reason being he ain't gotta home to go home too. Mike decided my new name was Popeye...don't ask me why? He reckons I'm an old Sex Pistols bloke! |
| Oppressed Logic pre-gig...Gabe Skull, Mike Cyco logic and Adrienne Alvilez |
| Todd Dammit in that mask! |
| The gig was advertised in the local Metro newspaper which I found on the train coming to the gig. I showed it to Adrienne and she kept it as part of her Euro memorabilia. She had a crazy looking silver handbag that held all her worldly belongings. Her and Gabe didn't see eye to eye or was that just me? They travelled Europe using 17 Stitches touring van and Richie Cunningham's Car. Richie was a bit of a David Copperfield and had some good coin in the hand tricks to amuse em on long haul drives no doubt. I told gig promoter Mark Badger who also runs Iron Man Records that I didn't think much of the bands on his label so whats the excuse? He said well do you see many CD's in the shops you'd buy? Still don't think he answered my question? Gabe Skull plays in another band but I forgot which one? Todd Dammit is a founder member of the Shitgiveits when he ain't oppressiing people. |
| Mrs Avilez giving it some twang! |
| Oppressed Logic have aproximately 24 hours off when they return to the States before beginning another 'Califucknia tour' with Violent Society and Special Duties. The Snap-her show was dead. If it wasn't for Oppressed Logic being there and getting rowdy for Snap-her, there would have been 5 people watching them! They played a full set of songs they didn't play at the previous gig. |
| This gig was FREE and still poorly attended duh! apathy reigns!!!! |
