September 17, 2003 Phat Tank Amanda Aikman Culture Editor When was the last time you saw a good post-rock garage opera? Chances are it’s been a while, but if Phat Tank is any indication, this is one underrated sub-genre that’s destined to take off. Hatched from the inspired (but possibly demented) minds of Vancouver actors/writers/directors Step Carruthers, Christopher Gora, and Bart Simpson, this Orwell-meets-Star Wars-meets- Tommy-esque produc- tion was the belle of the ball at Vancouver's Fringe Festival this year. Phat Tank is the epic tale of a group of rebels who are searching for the mythical beat generator (the Phat Tank) in order to liberate their people from the “forces of no fun” that have taken over the land (a concept not unfamiliar to most Vancouverites). The storyline incorporates a number of unique and highly entertaining characters including “Lupe” (Chris Gora), who is big man on campus as the “chief anti-music prosecutor” in the army of Everymen— but who is also, it turns out—the long-lost son of late rebel leader “Phunkarella;” the over-the-top Cruella DeVille/Courtney Love-ish “Silencer” (Gerry-Jenn Wilson), a Jack Daniels-drinking, high-ranking official in the Fashion-ist government who rules with an iron fist and a feathered boa; “B.6 and B.12” (Bart Simpson and Stephen Hamm), definite crowd favourites with their Rosencrantz-and-Guildensternian portrayal of the endear- ing mop-slinging “Everymen” sent in to clean up the Phunk Houses and sanitize the soundscape; “Sprout” (Step Carruthers), the zealous rebel determined to rejoin the A and B sides of “the disc” in order to summon the Phat Tank and overthrow the forces of no fun; “Diletta” (Shannon Powell), the beautiful mute empath; the “Beat Cops” played by the engaging and talented Eric Hogan and Terri Anne Wilson; as well as an impressive and colourfully-costumed chorus of singers and dancers. The capacity crowd of Fringers that flocked to the Saturday Sept 6 performance was treated to a truly origi- nal evening of laughter, intrigue, and downright groovi- ness. More Rocky Horror and less Oklahoma!, Phat Tank is certainly one happening musical-theatre experience. Housed in a Granville Island parking garage, the play’s industrial post-apocalyptic feel came through nicely, and with the addition of fairy lights, a juggler, various neon accoutrements, dangling records, smoke machines, pro- jected images—and of course some fabulous music—the unusual venue was transformed into a bonafide Phunk House of its own. The talented ensemble cast, under the direction of Tara Hungerford, captivated the receptive audience with a series of creative, humorous, and well-executed song and dance numbers culminating in a grand finale that had everyone in the joint shaking their groove things along with the rebel forces. Now believe me, I’m as jaded as the next gal when it comes to musical theatre, but when Lupe and Sprout joined the A and B sides of the disc and the giant inflatable Phat Tank made its appearance on stage—well, some say my phunk-o-meter grew three sizes that day. Mike Ness for Prezident Social Distortion and the Hangmen at the Commodore Flash Gordon OP Contributor I lost my T-shirt to a Social Distortion concert mosh pit and it was well worth the sacrifice. Punk fans know Social D as one of the punk bands that’s always been around. They have a diehard following, but are never so popular as to reach mainstream, and that’s the way they like it. It has been years since their last album, and as a long time fan who has never made it toa live show, I wondered what to expect from the Orange County band. With a banner of their 1982 album Mommys Little Monster, hanging at the back of the stage, lead singer Mike Ness and company opened hard with some old favourites off that first record. Ness fell into familiar grooves as he smirked and rocked his way through song after song and solo after solo. He threw three new songs into the set list, “Footprints on the Ceiling,” “I wasn’t born to fol- low,” and “Don’t take me for granted”—a tribute to late band mate and friend, Dennis Dannel. Ness fired up the audience with his political views, citing the American President, George Bush, as a “Douche bag.” He loves America but not necessarily Americans and even shared a favourite Chris Rock quote for its unfortunate truth at times, “God Bless America and Only America.” For a man under six feet tall, who has a gold tooth and sleeves of tattoos, Ness has incred- ible stage presence and played to the audience well. He even offered a disciplinary boot to a rowdy patron. The show had an air of reminisce as he told the Culture tale of the group’s first trip to Canada in 1982 when they visited Vancouver Island. When Ness spoke, the audience hung on every word. Some might say Ness holds a place next to the likes of Joey Ramone as a legend, but he is far too modest for that. He claims the late Joey Ramone is the true king of Rock ’ Roll. Johnny Cash’s influence was felt when the band played their rendition of “Ring of Fire.” The crowd moshed like wild to it. The only other cover song of the night was courtesy of Reggae artist Jimmy Cliff to keep pace with some of the political overtones of Ness’ dialogues with the audience. Having listened to Social Distortion for about ten years off CD’s, I must say the live ver- sion was ten times better. By the end of the show, Ness promised the band would be in the studio recording a new album by November of this year. The Hangmen were not much more than an afterthought. The band played a decent set to an unresponsive crowd. They received a few cheers and some modest applause but I overheard at least one person in the crowd saying they sucked. I wouldn't go that far but the Hangmen, with guest guitarist Ron Heathman of The Super Suckers, have a long way to go in order to claim an audi- ence away from Social Distortion. Heathman, on a positive note, played tremendously and stole any spotlight away from the band. Thanks to our Culture Editor Amanda Aikman for snagging me a:ticket to this Hootenanny. Virtual Calling Cards Enjoy the freedons | Perfect for Cell Phones! SUBSCRIPTION $ 2 4. 9 5 ii ee ime to most major Conadien cities. : m Me ew DML Late kL da] bie cents/minute SIGN UP NOW! Deeb CMe Cg for more information call 1-866-888-8222 Powered by Continete! Oniinetel Corp. Is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elger Technology Inc., a publicty traded company on the TSX. (AXA) http://www.otherpress.ca Page 13 the other press ©September 17, 2003