Bad Copy

I’m not quite sure when or where I first heard of Ft. Worth’s Toxic Madness. I think they might have been opening for another band I was shooting for a year or two ago. Needless to say I was impressed, and after learning that singer DJ wasn’t even 18 yet – well, I made it a point to keep them on my radar.

And so, that brings me here to Three Links in Dallas, TX on July 13th for the Toxic Madness Skinwalker tour kickoff.

Anak, a hardcore punk band, warmed up the early concertgoers. They seemed to be newer band with not much of a presence on social media, but nevertheless a handful of fans were crowding the stage, singing along and pumping fists. That’s always a good sign at a local show – it means people are here to party.

Boof was up next and raised the energy of the room significantly with their brand of yowling, snarling, screaming, visceral punk rock nuggets. Most songs clocked in at under 2 minutes, and with the help of their thematically diverse set list, served to keep the crowd on their toes. Bassist and singer Rae shared the heartbreaking backstory to their song “Hush” and with the crowd’s rallying support delivered the most raucous song of the set. I won’t share the personal details here but take a listen to the song. It’s pretty easy to figure out.

Toxic Madness took the stage with their shirts on, but if you’ve seen them before you know that will quickly change. All that fabric is too risky. You might get snagged on something when you’re flying up near the ceiling as DJ often does. There were definitely some ‘Madness’ fans in attendance and any that weren’t soon found themselves converted. It’s not often you see a band this young with so much energy. DJ flings his body across the stage like few performers you’ve ever seen. The low stage and rambunctious behavior beckons you in closer like a schoolyard fight. You’ve just got to be part of the action, or at the very least get a good video of it. Don’t think you can just hide in the back and nod along, though. DJ’s crowd work is excellent and he WILL find you. He routinely flies beyond the monitors dragging the mic cord behind him to join the pit, or if everyone’s a little sleepy, start one. “I’m Hardcore” is always a crowd pleaser and crowd killer. *shrugs* Hey, it’s not a hardcore show if you’re not dodging the occasional boot or elbow, amirite? If you like your punk music fast with a little hint of horror and sometimes operatic delivery then you just might like Toxic Madness. Oh, and you see the bass player? He’s only 16! Like I said, these dudes are young. More importantly they’re hungry, and most definitely going places. By the time this is posted they will most likely be home from their quick run up to New England. Take heart though, the band’s been on a few tours in their short time so no doubt they’ll be coming to a town near you.

Street punks The Scandals closed out the evening with stage diving, shoulder riding, crowd surfing mayhem. The band has been kicking around Dallas since 2003 so it’s no surprise they know how to whip the audience into a nice thick foam. They’ve done this before and they’re good at it. Old fans, new fans, and bystanders alike were all punching the sky by the end of the night. Members of Anak and Toxic Madness took turns with others leaping off the stage to the delight of onloookers passing by the club’s open garage door. Just look at those crazy punks.

And that was it.

Great show.

Very chill mosh.

Check out the photos below!