California ska band Buck-O-Nine is raw. Jon "Holmes" Pebsworth screams instead of vocalizes while the rest of the seven San Diego boys militantly pound out the melodies. This ain't your traditional 2-tone baby, this is ska -- core.
With most of the music sounding like punk with horns, these performers from San Diego have been blasting away crowds since 1992. On Tuesday night, it was Salt Lake City's turn to be blown sky high by Buck-O-Nine.Area 51 was the venue of choice for this particular rant session. Those who are in the "loop" have already heard of this place. It's the new club out there by the "Jesus Saves" building, the Rio Grande and some other soon-to-be renovated warehouses. And you kids who are completely oblivious to the wild and crazy night life, hey, I'm filling you in here.
Before I went to this show, I was told by some friends that this was quite a cool place to visit. It was hip, happening, very now. Perfect!
This was the club's first attempt at a concert. And what a noble attempt it was. Area 51 had a great lineup: Blink 182, Hospital Food and the Voodoo Glow Skulls.
Too bad I missed them. I came late. That was my fault. However, due to some um, miscommunication, I was detained at the door for the final songs of the Voodoo Glow Skulls. From what I heard, they were pretty good.
Despite the altercations, I got in.
Buck-O-Nine is definitely for the little ones. The music appeals to a younger crowd, the lyrics are edgy, and the attitude is all about angst.
The 18-and-under fans, who looked like extras from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," were more mellow than I expected. The mosh pits were small, and even though most of the lost boys and girls were watching the band, they were really only bobbing up and down. This mood changed once the band broke out "Water in My Head."
Regardless of the fact that Jon's voice wasn't the most melodious, the energy in the horns, drums, guitar and bass made the rough and tough performance shine.
Buck-O-Nine played their radio hit "My Town," which drove the already manic crowd over the top.
Kids jumped up on the stage and took turns leaping onto the crowd. This was done with no style and little grace, but there was definitely a technique.
There is one rule that Buck-O-Nine has: If you get caught up there with the band when the music is over, you've got to do a crazy, mean stage dive.
How fun for everyone when a dancer the size of a football center had to take the leap.
It was akin to a tower falling over with its victims helplessly waiting to take the impact.
No one was injured.
As for myself, I didn't take the plunge. Maybe I will the next time Buck-O-Nine passes through.