Dave Chamberlain

You can go two ways on a punk-rock geezer tour: it's either a pathetic piece of antiquity during which bands return to play songs that everyone knows, akin to a musical high-school reunion, or a chance for a virtually unheard band to play songs that everyone should know, but doesn't. In regards to The Testors, the latter rings more true. One of punk rock's original car wrecks, The Testors--and their main mover Sonny Vincent--were an integral part of New York's sleazy scene in the seventies, alongside better-known icons like The Ramones. And as punk rock as The Ramones were in the seventies, they were often trumped by Vincent's boys, getting kicked out of various clubs (and Canada!) for unsavory onstage hijinks. But unlike The Ramones, The Testors were so punk rock that they never even released a full-length record, preferring to maximize their energy for those who came to the under-attended shows at the time. They did record songs however--a 2002, two-disc collection, "The Complete Testors Recordings, 1976-79," proves it--and those who were lucky enough to see the band perform were treated to full-bore hate-rock that combined three-chord violence with the MC5's songwriting capability. From drug anthems ("Lets Get Zooed Out") to punk standards ("MK Ultra"), The Testors' catalog ranks as one we should all know as well as, or better than, their contemporaries. And it's fitting that they close out the Horizontal Action Blackout--H.A. editor Todd Killings penned the liner notes for "The Complete Testors Recordings," and their presence should ensure the weekend festival ends on a completely insane note. Tonight, Vincent's support band includes members of another blast from the esoteric past, Rocket from the Tombs.

The Testors play May 15 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western, (773)276-3600.

(2004-05-12)

Also by Dave Chamberlain

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Not exactly a typical opener for Ms. Peaches and her electrophile, much discussed and publicized pussy, but you've got to love an unlikely combination like this
(2004-05-05)

Raw Material
The post-punk idea is updated and intensified, keyboards are fuzzed and mashed, guitars sting more than sing
(2004-05-05)

Raw Material
In the next couple weeks, a trio of strong rock records from local bands will be released into the wild
(2004-04-27)

Tip of the Week
Teeming with intricate but not overly complex melody and hooks, as well as ample referencing of all the major movements in contemporary rock
(2004-04-22)

Raw Material
(2004-04-22)

Tip of the Week
(2004-04-14)

Raw Material
(2004-04-14)

Tip of the Week
(2004-04-09)

Raw Material
(2004-04-09)

Hustler soundtrack
(2004-03-31)

Tip of the Week
(2004-03-30)

Music 45
(2004-03-25)

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