Returning to Dallas in support of their wonderful second album, <shutdown.exe>, 3Teeth left Gas Monkey Bar ‘n Grill in ruins. Co-headlining with the inimitable Ho99o9, with support from the mysterious Street Sects and local favorites Razorblade Dolls, the Los Angeles based rivetheads put on one of the best shows that has come through Dallas this year.
It was unseasonably cold at the outdoor Bar n’ Grill; nevertheless, the Razorblade Dolls put on a solid, but short set. Playing maybe 25-minutes, the Dolls proved their worth by the number of people on hand for their early set. There was a strong crowd of devoted fans to watch the band play before sundown. Regardless of crowd size, the band (as always) was sharp and sinister. There was about 35-40 minutes between Razorblade Dolls and Austin’s Street Sects – and that killed the momentum established by the Dolls ferocious opening set. I’m not sure if the Street Sects pissed off the sound guys at Gas Monkey or if they just aren’t a good live band, but it wasn’t working. The combination of two strobe lights pointed directly at the crowd, along with the constant billowing of fog machines, made it difficult to see anything. What’s more, you couldn’t hear a damn word the singer was singing. I wasn’t the only one with this problem. Even some dude in the crowd yelled out after the second song, “Can’t hear the vocals, dude!” Sadly, there wasn’t even anyone sitting at the sound booth when this happened. When those bro’s did show up, they didn’t do anything. I don’t know what the story is there and I don’t want to trash the Street Sects entirely, but last night their show was not good.
Going on at 9:00, the Los Angeles by way of Newark, New Jersey, Ho99o9 took the stage and instantly wiped the Street Sects from the collective memory of the bewildered crowd. Featuring Grapevine, Texas’ Brandon Pertzborn on drums, backing tracks, and vocals shared by theOGM and Eaddy, Ho99o9 is an absolute juggernaut. Playing tracks from their latest album, United States of Ho99o9, and other select tracks, the band was pure fire. Blending hardcore rap, hardcore punk, and the best parts of industrial noise, Ho99o9 is unequivocally one of the most original and truly mesmerizing acts around today. It might have been cold outside, but the crowd soon warmed up by moshing and pogo-ing throughout their set. The bands energy is infectious. They have the kind of inspired live performance that far too many acts seem to lack. Each member of the three-piece touring outfit is stupefying. Both vocalists are unique in their respective style and stage performance and Pertzborn’s drumming is enthralling.
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3Teeth took the stage around 10:30 and while I was a bit worried that Ho99o9 had stole the show, the band proceeded to prove me wrong. Having toured extensively behind the <shutdown.exe> album, the band was even more tight and fierce than when they came through last year on the heels of the albums release. As always, frontman Alexis Mincolla owned the stage as his bandmates punished their instruments. Mincolla doesn’t rehash the typical frontman cliches, rather he just brings an intense performance that is amplified by his imposing presence. When the band hit a technical glitch after a couple of songs, Mincolla used it as an opportunity to joke around with the crowd and sign a few autographs. When the band was ready to resume a few moments later, they picked up exactly where they left off – destroying everything in sight. Playing songs from shutdown and their self-titled debut, the band was in top form. Powerful, abrasive, and relentless in execution, 3Teeth keeps getting better. From opening song “Divine Weapon” to the closing track “Master of Decay,” 3Teeth made everyone forget the wind whipping across their bodies and the cold sinking into their bones. In fact, we all could’ve stuck around for another half hour for such a great performance.
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If you didn’t know, 3Teeth and Ho99o9 have recently teamed up for a collaboration consisting of two songs, “Lights Out” and “Time’s Up.” Your punk ass needs to hear this shit. Listen below, go see them live, and thank us later.
– J. Kevin Lynch (words); Brently Kirksey (photos)
3Teeth and Ho99o9 tour dates:
02-Apr-18 Austin, TX Barracuda
04-Apr-18 Orlando, FL Blackstar
05-Apr-18 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Hell)
06-Apr-18 Charlotte, NC The Underground
07-Apr-18 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theatre
08-Apr-18 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Sound Stage
10-Apr-18 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall
11-Apr-18 New York, NY Elsewhere: Hall
13-Apr-18 To be announced
14-Apr-18 Montreal, QC Foufones Electriques
15-Apr-18 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground
16-Apr-18 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
17-Apr-18 Kansas City, MO The Riot Room
18-Apr-18 To be announced
19-Apr-18 To be announced
20-Apr-18 Chicago, IL Reggie’s Rock Club
22-Apr-18 Denver, CO Marquis Theater
23-Apr-18 Salt Lake City, UT Metro Music Hall
25-Apr-18 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
26-Apr-18 Los Angeles, CA 1720
27-Apr-18 Los Angeles, CA 1720
Just saw 3 Teeth again in Phoenix. I first saw them with Danzig. I didn’t know who they were, after they opened for Danzig I didn’t care to see Danzig, just wanted more 3 Teeth. They were super nice and hung out with me and my husband Will (hippokittie) most the evening. I told them I haven’t been this impressed by a band since NIN or Tool! Of coarse Alexis is absolutely captivating. Excellent review J. Kevin Lynch.
Thank you for reading, Rachel Hall!
As someone who was there at the show. WOW, what a fucking line up. Razorblade dolls were even better than I hoped(I had to snag a CD between sets). As far as Street Sects goes, i’m not sure if the hard to hear vocals were part of the show or a mishap but either way I found myself entranced and had not only grabbed my interest but also my attention. Ho99o9 was simply an amazing show to witness. Crazy energy, pace and passion. The drummer was phenomenal! But God damn 3teeth showed up from the first second of the show till the end. Every member was killing it musically and aesteticly. Every song was better than it sounds on the album which is hard to see bands do, and I even think the live version of Tabula Umbra impregnated my mother(So I guess now I should call Andrew step-dad?). Either way I was left eager to watch that set list played 3 more times in its entirety. I’ll reccomend everybody see them live Every time they come to town.