As I show up to Strummers, where Brujeria’s Matando Güeros 30th Anniversary Tour is playing tonight in Fresno, California, a fan ran up to the door and asked the guard if the show will still be happing in an hour. Walking into Strummers saddens me to not see a big crowd, but people spread out and some up close to the stage as Art of Shock is performing.
Being immediately drawn closer to the stage, not just by the really good lighting on the stage for Art of Shock, but as well how amazing the music sounded, made me feel like I was at a big rock concert. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band captivated me right away, as well as the crowd. People were head-banging, but not enough to have a full-on mosh, but it was still great. It felt like a personal performance for the small group of people who showed up early to check out Art of Shock. They played their entire set full of energy and were closer to the crowd.
Next up was Dwarves, the controversial legendary Punk band that has had performances with violence and some nudity. More people showed up for Dwarves, and suddenly fans crowdsurfed, and I loved the chaos of all movement in the pit. Their music sounded so thrashy, but kept its roots of punk. Frontman Blag Dahlia was singing right up to the fans’ faces, and I really admired their performance. Made me miss punk music and its scene, so this is another band I hope to see again. One thing that was mentioned to me was that their bassist “Rex Everything” a.k.a., Nick Oliveri, would be a recognizable musician from his previous bands Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, his current group Stoner, and his many other projects; whom I had no idea about but seem familiar and amazing to see musicians in various bands.
Last but not least, the fans were chanting for Brujeria to come onstage. Before Brujeria shows up, they play a Mexican dance song that people instead of moshing just start dancing along to the beat. The excitement of the fans abruptly seeing Brujeria appear on the stage made it worthwhile, especially for them to be playing close to the crowd, within hands reach. It’s astonishing to realize that this band has been around for over thirty years, and are still able to bring old and new fans to the shows. Having Brujo, Pinche Peach and El Sangron, the 3-headed vocalists doing dance moves throughout the songs, and even swinging their microphones in between their legs was fun. One thing that’s expected: a joint was passed around for the band and smoked on stage.
As a fan and having seen them live for many years, one thing that always fascinated me was the band members were still hiding their faces behind a bandana, except for Pinche Peach. At the end of their performance, it was amazing to see the band members stay afterward to meet with fans, sign merchandise, take photos, hanging out. Being on the bar side of Strummers, security guided fans out of the performance area, but many stayed ordering drinks to keep hydrated and talking about the show. Then I noticed an unexpected Brujo appearing at the merch table still with his mask on, having fans approach him, which is something amazing to see. Even Pinche Peach appeared at the merch table, as well. Huge appreciation for Zangano, their bassist for giving me an opportunity, and hanging out in between band sets. Brujeria definitely continues to put on energetic performances and hopefully, we get to see 40th, or even 50th-anniversary shows someday!
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ANITA FRAUSTO