November 1st 2009…

by John M. Ellison IV

November 1st, 2009…it’s the day after Halloween; Catholics recognize it as All Saints Day but it’s also they day that the Afro-Punk Tour blew the roof off of “The Black Cat” in Washington, D.C. This tour is one of those events that will change your perspective on music. For those who aren’t aware of Afro-Punk, this is the time to explain. Afro-Punk originally started out as a documentary directed by James Spooner. The focus of the film was on the experiences of black people in punk and alternative rock bands and of people who are black and apart of the scene. The film gained rave reviews. This film also has a website that in some ways surpassed the success of the film. I’ve been a part of the website since 2003. In fact, it’s where I met who I affectionately call the missus and my partner in crime. Music lovers of the D.C. area flooded the notable venue!

The line curled around the block. With guerrilla marketing tactics promotion was by Afro-Punk members including myself. Thanks to these DIY marketing skills, true music lovers came out to support the likes of bands such as American Fangs, The Smyrk, CX Kidtronix/Krak Attak, Living Colour and Saul Williams as Niggy Tardust.

 Since our long tenure with the site, the missus and I were offered tickets for the Washington, D.C. stop on the Afro-Punk tour. I ran into some of the D.C. members of Afro-Punk, such as fellow musician “PolariVibez”, photographer “W.M. Dekooning”, “C” and many others who although weren’t on the board, did fit the spirit of the site. It was a fun evening that included bands such as…

American Fangs
The Smyrk
Cx Kidtronix
Living Colour
Saul Williams

Well, the missus and I got to The Black Cat late so we missed American Fangs. But, we got there in time for The Smyrk. Regarding The Smyrk, they’re a strong live band, the lead singer’s voice was reminiscent of Patrick Stump of Fallout Boy (that’s not a jab; I really think Stump has a decent voice). The songs had an interesting theme. The songs made reference from various subjects, such when The Joker from Batman killed Jason Todd (the second Robin) to Jim Carey’s lead character from Liar, Liar. Also, they worked in “Hypnotize” by Notorious B.I.G.

After the brief intermission, CX Kidtronix started his set. CX Kidtronix reminded me of Afrika Bambaataa if he evolved from electro to gabber. When CX is with Tchaka, they form the hip-hop electro-punk rap duo Krak Attak. The duo exuded great energy, after a 15 minute set.

In the midst of the intermission, I was interviewed by a young woman by the name of Whitney who was with Afro-Punk. We spoke and then I realized that she was interviewing me. Oddly enough I noticed she didn’t have a tape recorded or any kind of recording device…man, I hope she doesn’t take some of the stuff that I said out of context or not remember it accurately.

After the “conversation” between Polarivibez and I spoke briefly. The sound of guitar, drums and bass tuning up alerted us that Living Colour was getting ready to rock out. To get it out of the way, Living Colour started out with Cult of Personality and material from “Vivid”, “Time’s Up” Living Colour’s set was pretty good, even though there were a few tech errors. What seemed odd to me was the fact that Living Colour wasn’t the closing act. Go figure.

Well, the closer was Saul Williams as Niggy Tardust. I’m not going to lie, I see the playfulness of the name, but I’m not really feeling it. Aside from the name, three words describe the band live…GREAT FUCKING BAND. Niggy Tardust’s set was a mix of spoken word, industrial, glam, electronic and punk fury, Niggy Tardust featuring DJ CX Kidtronix on sampler and turntable, Davin on guitar, Kwame on keyboards and Saul Williams as Niggy Tardust on vocals.

Saul Williams aka Niggy Tardust

The maniacal energy of this ensemble was something to experience. CX’s industrial samples work and Kwame’s low bass was reminiscent of “Gothic Crunk.” I didn’t know whether to brood or throw them ‘bows as they would say. Imagine, Ministry backing up Funkadelic, Sun Ra working with Nine Inch Nails…you get the idea. Aside from their original, the band also has covers in their repertoire, Tr(n)igger, a reworking of Welcome to the Terrordome by Public Enemy and their cover of Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2. I’m still speechless about this performance. Seriously, the album is amazing. BUY IT! If they’re coming to town, GET TICKETS!

The Smyrk’s Myspace page
Living Colour’s Myspace PAge
American Fangs
Cx Kidtronix
Saul Williams/Niggy Tardust