Another great tour
rolls into this town, this time for free! Thanks to members of the WUD
(Wisconsin Union) a special show took place at The Sett (University of
Wisconsin) featuring a boat load of punk talent. AJJ, Kimya Dawson, Laura
Stevenson and Shell Shag all came together for a joint tour, including Madison
as one of the opening shows.
Starting early was the
two piece called Shell Shag, full of energy and chaotic rhythms they put on an interesting
and exciting show, especially with their one piece band kit (see images online
for more). Next was Laura Stevenson a much calmer performer as she introduced
herself but no less powerful, as the first song made people stop in their tracks.
The echoes of love and pain were delivered beautifully in her own unique style.
You could feel these songs were personal to this individual, as she sang and
played guitar you could not help but get lost on her poetry.
From one strong
vocalist to the next as Kimya Dawson hit the stage to a rapturous applause. From
the Mouldy Peaches to sea chastise, children rhymes to political poetry, Kimya
covered it all in this delightful set. Being a fan of the Juno soundtrack for over
ten since its release, I was pleased to meet the other half of the Mouldy
Peaches, Kimya. Kimya D and Adam Green, aka the Mouldy peaches were pinnacle in
setting the movie its innocent and honest tone. It has and always will be a
favourite of mine so I was excited when I heard the amazing vocals of Kimya pay
tribute to that part of her career. Track after track was delivered in her own
beautiful way with confidence and passion.
Lastly, the night was
closed by fellow punk stars AJJ, whom earlier this year sold out a big venue in
the city. Tonight is no different with the atmosphere hopping and crowd growing
as the guys hit the stage. Their set contains only highs in my opinion, as they
become masters of their own sound, certainly ones to keep track of when they
hit Madison again.
Make sure to keep up to date with events from
the University of Wisconsin unions via their social media and websites. They
are continuously offering great shows at either a cheap or free rate, so no
excuses to check out some new and original sounds!
Many punk/skate rock
acts from the 80’s/90’s have either dissolved out of existence or evolved into
something that sells out. Neither of these can be said about, ‘Reel Big Fish’
who have kept the torch lit with their infectious danceable melodies. 
Before the heavy
hitters of ‘RBF’ hit the stage, there were fellow bands, ‘We Are The Union’ and
‘Ballyhoo’ to warm the crowd up. ‘We Are The Union’ are a Michigan band full of
energy and heart as they win over new fans tonight. However, the case maybe not
the same for Ballyhoo who do deliver their long 40 minute set without much
interaction or charismas. They do please some members of the audience as they
can pen a soulful beat, just nothing hard hitting.
As the clock struck
10pm it was time most audience members were waiting all day for, to party down,
Ska punk style. The first song off the set list, ‘Take on me’ was a sure fire
sing along complete with a dance pit. Not once did I witness the show becoming
tame as they had everyone involved from doing the fish to singing asshole. These
guys nailed the show and tour, with their hit filled set complete with covers
and brand new track, ‘U can’t have all of me’ (see picture for complete list).
A lot of acts in the music industry today aim for different experiences or
political angle when putting on a show but these guys just came to celebrate
life by making sure everyone left with a smile on their face. A job well done,
keep rocking. 
