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.. .... ..  A sweaty John "The Baker" Eppard of Oakland-based punk band Instant Asshole rocks the crowd of intensely excited music fans. [Click to enlarge]
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"Zombies," "Leftover Crack" and "Straight Edge Failures" all have something in common. Some can be found in horror movies, while others might show up on your doorstep at 3 a.m. - but all are punk.
The aforementioned are just a few of many off-the-wall titles of songs dished out at Monstros Pizza on Friday night to a small group of die-hard punk rockers.
Chico natives Gruk opened the show, followed by Death Crisis.
Oakland-based Instant Asshole and close friends Duck and Cover, also from Oakland, treated the audience to a healthy dose of brash punk and some choice attire.
Lead singer Alberto Guadalupe of Death Crisis rocked a tank top so short his undulating midriff dared audience members to keep their food down.
Setup and teardown of each band's equipment was prompt, thanks to a conveniently located side door at Monstros, and the bands' members helped carry each other's gear to speed up the process.
Of the 25 or so people in attendance, about a quarter took part in the waxing mosh pit, with steadily growing intensity. Paramount to this communal form of dance is the lack of violent blows or malicious behavior. Moshers take care of their own by picking each other up off the ground to avoid a trampling.
The mosh pit was possibly the most entertaining aspect of the show, with some riding on the backs of others as they slammed into one another.
The downright shameless and drunk rolled on the ground in the venue's sawdust.
The standard punk lineup was thrown a curveball with several women performing in the bands, including Duck and Cover drummer Ali Roth and 17-year-old vocalist Dharma Mooney.
Instant Asshole bassist Leasa Catera was also among the females of punk rock, along with Gruk lead singer Rachel Loveless.
Audience member Star Hooper said she likes it when women are involved in punk.
"Some guys think they can't handle it, and I like to show that girls can step up to the plate," she said.
An avid fan of punk, Hooper thinks moshing is a great way to vent, and admits being a "sucker for chick bands."
Even small children expressed their wild sides at the back of the room.
"They're definitely into punk, that's for sure," said Marianna Pantoja, whose 3- and 8-year-old boys jostled and shoved, forming their own mini mosh pit, much like their older counterparts.
All-age venues tend to be the destination of choice for punk bands because the younger generations of music fans help a great deal in supporting underground and local artists.
"It's great," said Instant Asshole drummer Bill Jackson. "We have to ensure our species keeps rockin'."
The night was a celebration for Catera who, much to her surprise, received a birthday cake and a "Happy Birthday" sing-along. The entire venue joined together in song.
Instant Asshole played an intense set, with lead vocalist John "The Baker" Eppard joining in the mosh pit sporadically. The pit was fueled by members from the other bands, and bodies were sliding everywhere on the sawdust-laden floor.
There was much to be appreciated Friday night, not just the pizza and live bands Monstros is known for.
Shea Cardinalli can be reached at
scardinalli@theorion.com