Images: DC Fallout, Lambs to Lions, Happy Campers, New Cold War, The CG’s March 14, 2014 at Artistic Armory

Los Angeles’ DC Fallout recently came through Vegas for two nights to finish up their west coast tour, and I managed to catch their first night at The Artistic Armory, which doubled as the debut show for Vegas punk rock supergroup New Cold War. The Armory popped up fairly recently as a consistent  all-ages venue, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite spots to see bands. The intimate setting reminds me a lot of VLHS in Pomona, where I really enjoyed catching a show a few years ago. This was my first time seeing DC Fallout despite them coming through Las Vegas fairly frequently, and I enjoyed their fast and clever guitar riffs and giant backing vocals. The crowd, which had thinned out some by the late point in the evening, had a continuous circle-pit going through their whole set, unfortunately spitting someone out through DC Fallout’s guitar rack and amplifier cabinet (I am told the amp survived, the guitar rack wasn’t so lucky).

Debuting at this show was New Cold War, featuring members of Battle Born, The Quitters, The People’s Whiskey and ex-Surrounded by Thieves. I was eager to check them out after hearing their EP a couple weeks ago. I was definitely not disappointed. The songs were fast and dynamic, the way I like it, and the vocal harmonies sounded great. There is a great juxtaposition of voices in the band, and John Brown’s huge voice on both lead and backing vocals sounded amazing. Micah from the Quitters drummed this show for them (Micah and Luis Mendez of The People’s Whiskey share drumming duties in the band) and he’s incredible to watch, so it was a great debut show and I am excited to hear more from these guys in the coming months.

Also on the bill were Lambs to Lions, the Happy Campers and The CG’s. Lambs to Lions I remember seeing before at the Bunkhouse “Punk Rock Barbecue” last year, and they sounded a lot better than I remember. The Happy Campers also had a good show despite being down a guitar for a couple songs due to immediately breaking a guitar string. I’d never seen The CG’s live before, and I’m not sure if they’re a three-piece and were down a member, or are a two-piece, but their ska-tinged songs definitely have some potential.

-Aaron Mattern | https://www.flickr.com/photos/akmofoto/