Judiciary Record Release Show at Rubber Gloves

Saturday night shows feel a bit more refreshing, in comparison to shows happening in the middle of the week. The next day is Sunday, all I plan on doing is sitting on the couch, eat and watch anything that grabs my attention, can’t beat that. It was heading towards 8pm when I finally arrived at Rubber Gloves. My intention was to arrive at the venue early to avoid parking further away, but unintentionally, I allowed time to pass. I ended up parking across the street from the venue, facing west on Sycamore, adjacent to what it seemed to be a new tattoo shop. I was able to hear Mass Appeal blaring through the exceptional sound system from a distance. It caused me to put more pep in my step, creating quick, long strides. As I entered the outside venue, I hear “This is our last song”. I made my way towards the far left corner to shoot photos and got my fair share of hugs and smiles from the people I know and love. I turn around to face the musicians on stage and the first one I see is Alvin. It feels wonderful to see him get busy on stage. I swear he looks like a superstar by the way he looks standing on the three and half foot high platform. Watching Josh cover at the stage was fun and it made me smile. His tall and lanky frame bouncing around on stage during the song nearly compelled me to do the same. Unfortunately, the band’s last tune started as soon as it ended. Nonetheless, their performance on the one song I witnessed was more than satisfying. It was a shame I arrived late and only captured a handful of photos but I was able to make it work.

From where I was sitting, I was able to capture a visual of the unsuspecting crowd, in between conversations, in the hurry to get to the bar, etc. I enjoyed the bit of time I was people watching before I made the spilt decision to head to the bar for drink. I began to notice at the recent hardcore shows, at Rubber Gloves, the inside stage is being used to for other events. This particular night featured a DJ set that played what I assumed was in the same realm as techno/house/rave/club culture. The fashion of the participants attending the event resembled a goth overtone with individualistic flair, much like some of the younger, eccentric hardcore kids. The aura was a bit esoteric, easy to spot even amongst a genre of subculture known for its inclusivity. It produced a unique blend of people in one setting for separate reasons, a wonderful mix of modern eccentricities. After receiving my drink, I trekked my way back to my spot near the stage, I felt like It was the best spot to be if anyone wanted to be close the action but want to remain safe at the same time.

Future Shock is a band from San Antonio I haven’t had my eye on for long. The band reached my radar a little over a week before the show. At the time, I revisited the flyer and realized I haven’t given their tunes an ear. The first thing I did was go to Youtube. I wanted to see how well they perform and how they sound live. Thoroughly impressed by the sound and energy alone, I became an instant fan of Future Shock. I love the unparalleled blend of thrash, hardcore and rock and roll, fast tempo tunes with an hard edge on the path of chaos and destruction. When they reached the stage to do a sound check before they began, I quickly adjusted the camera settings. As they played their first song, I felt the similar energy I felt when I first got into hardcore punk, reminiscent of the youthful energy I try to hold on to as much as possible. I wanted to execute a handful of cartwheels off of the stage and kick off about a dozen two steps throughout the entirety of their set. Future Shock is the band you play when you purchase your first Harley and you want to feel like a real badass when you cruising down the street, on the way to your favorite Saturday night bar. To top it off, the band has the signature, undeniable, Texas crossover sound; the perfect combination for an awesome set.

The night fell quicker than I expected and I found myself observing people more than holding conversations. It’s occasions like these where friendships and music share a space and flourish well together. I tend to think about how every show I attend could be someone’s first show. Usually, the first show is a pivotal moment in an individual’s life. A new chapter into a different world, the essence of discovering a deep rooted, international subculture. My attention was re-directed toward the stage as Tribal Gaze was getting ready to play. I believe Tribal Gaze is the example of what happens when a band puts out great music, full of great and talented individuals and has a wonderful scene backing them. Undoubtedly, this crushing death metal band from Longview is on a rise I can’t say I have seen before. Texas death metal is something is folks take pride in and Tribal Gaze is the newest addition as to the reason. Seeing them on stage and hearing them live is a different ball game. Their brand of heaviness leaves you on choice but to make the stank face. It hits you really hard in the gut and its mean. Their style is hardcore kid galore as well, definitive mosh parts with the perfect blend of contemporary death metal. I think what tripped me out the most was for being the new kids on the block, they sound like well seasoned veterans. Witnessing the band perform a killer set the way they did was amazing. Currently they are at a point I wouldn’t expect for a band to achieve in the amount of time they did, at a grassroots level. I can’t wait to see what their future holds the young Texas rippers.

It was the perfect weather to attend an outside venue. It was the perfect weather for a mosh warrior, the right amount of cool in air to be able to breath after moshing. It was the perfect weather for the more casual folks who rather stand to watch the performance and the pit and end up being comfortable. It almost felt as magical at the fact Inclination was set to play, right in front of my eyes. A couple of years prior, I met Tyler in Oklahoma at Promcore. I made it a point to tell him Inclination has to visit Texas, as if it was a mandatory thing to do. Although I meant what I said, I laid my head down in bed that night expecting nothing. Flash forward to now and I standing right in front of them, in Texas, down the street from my home, getting ready to play some of my favorite songs I’ve had on heavy rotation for the past two years. It felt like I was experiencing a surreal moment in life and blessed with being able to fully live within the moment. I’ve seen Inclination in Louisville at LDB last year but it was different, that is home to them, I was dragging my boots across their carpet, respectfully. Tyler does a phenomenal job at intro speeches before the band begins to play. From that moment on, I was having a hard time believing what was unfolding in front of me. Like an OG in the game, Tyler covered the stage like a former high school star wide receiver, I was in awe. It didn’t feel like much of a hardcore show, it felt like I was front row at a concert, in the middle of a large size venue. As their set progressed, I felt the overwhelming aspect of elation and loved every second of it. Seeing them Every now and then I would stop to take a handful of photos but the purpose was to live in the moment, don’t know when I’ll see Inclination in Texas again. I was probably having the most fun gazing at the band and at the hype of the crowd. Being able to see them in the Lone Star state was a dream come, it was undoubtedly a legendary set.

Throughout the night, I felt my body try to nudge itself into the pit. Every breakdown or two step part, my skeletal muscle made an involuntary knee-jerk reaction. I figured if I was going to mosh, it would more than likely be during the Judiciary set. I remember first hearing about the Lubbock band around 2015, maybe 2016. I also vaguely remember folks mentioning they played an awesome show at 1919 Hemphill (RIP). It wasn’t until 2018 -2019 when I actually saw them live and they surely didn’t disappoint. From there on, I was able to watch their growth from a distance. I started seeing them all over Youtube playing notable festivals, shows, touring, etc. One of the things I find beauty in when it comes to hardcore is being able to witness the organic growth of a band, from the mud, to an level that once was thought unachievable. As they began to play, I noticed the years of experience being exposed by the way they move on stage and how comfortable each member looked. Another wave of pride went through me watching their energy as they crank out some heavy tunes. A random thought hit me like a wet towel in the summer; if not all, majority of all the good bands coming out Texas have lead singers with dark, shoulder length hair. I chuckled for a moment thinking about any well known Texas bands anyone can name and I can bet the singer has the same hair style. My moment of truth finally came as Judiciary ended their set with their all- time Texas banger, Axis of Equality. It was mandatory to come out swinging. It’s one of those songs you can’t sit back and watch, you have to get into the pit and feel the energy. It was also good exercise, especially when cardio is involved. Afterwards, the set was over. The show in its entirety was fantastic. Watched another Texas band for the first time, Louisville came to Texas, Judiciary showed out, all packed in a dope Saturday night. This one was for the books.