Avengers/Pansy Division in Corona
Last Saturday, I headed out to the Showcase Theatre in Corona for the first time in years and caught The Avengers, Pansy Division and The Go Sheilas.
Unfortunately, only about 100 people turned up. Those that did were treated to a great night of punk rock. Among the opening acts was O.C. band The Go Sheilas. Lead singer Sheila was spirited (despite some microphone problems) as was backing vocalist Darlene on “Holiday,” “Simple Plan” and “I Can Make It.”
The sound reminded me of a cross between Dancehall Crashers and the Go-Go’s. Their professional sounding three-song EP was mixed by Karl Derfler (Smashmouth, Roky Erickson), partially recorded by Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Zebrahead) and features No Doubt’s Tom Dumont on a cool cover of Nena’s “99 Luft Balloons.”
Some of their songs have been featured on network TV shows. Definitely one to watch. You can catch them live at the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest tonight.
Next up was queercore band Pansy Division, making their first I.E. appearance in nearly a decade. The fun 40-minute set prompted a small slam pit (yours truly got dragged into it at one point). Drummer Luis pounded the skins like a machine, while lead guitarist Joel provided several memorable riffs.
But it was bassist/vocalist Chris who totally stole the show, constantly making suggestive moves and gestures. He took off his shorts to reveal a sparkly red woman’s dress at one point and was surprised when one of the mosher guys ran onstage and planted a kiss on him.
Lead singer/guitarist Jon Ginoli was no slouch either. He was in fine voice throughout and also seemed to be having a great time. The set was solid from start to finish, notably “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket,” the folksy “Luv Luv Luv,” “Alpine Skiing,” danceable “No Protection” (sung by Chris minus the vocoder heard on CD), “Deep Water” and “Political A******” (Jon said they wrote it before Bush was elected but it was so appropriate now). Hope the band doesn’t wait as long to return.
Affable rock vet Penelope Houston – sporting a two-toned bob that made her look 10 years younger - and her reunited Avengers put on an invigorating 75-minute set including all the old faves, plus a fiery encore cover of The Stones’ “Paint it Black.” I saw a few grey-haired guys in the crowd who were obviously diehard fans singing right along.