Horrible Fest

 

The 9th annual Horrible Fest takes place this weekend in and around Now That’s Class on Cleveland’s West Side. And, despite its name, there’s a band for every rocker. Well, ok maybe not the dude in a Winger tee. If you like punk, noise, and/or noise punk, however, you are in for a treat. Here are six of the best acts to catch:

 

Mordecai (Friday @ Now That’s Class)

Mordecai would prefer it if you didn’t mention their home state (Montana) in every piece you write about Mordecai (rock band from Montanta). Sorry, Mordecai, to us Midwesterners, a throwback, slop rock band from Montana is novel. It’s akin to spotting a liberal in your home state.

 

 

Unholy Two (Friday @ Now That’s Class)

Unapologetic Columbus noise-makers, Unholy Tow, are unafraid to ruffle a few feathers. First, however, you’ll have to decipher what the fuck they’re ranting about under their total sonic assault.

 

 

Destruction Unit (Saturday @ Now That’s Class)

One of the bigger names to take to Horrible Fest this weekend, the dessert punks may share a lineage with Memphis legend, Jay Reatard, but their style owes as much to early psychedelic rock as it does to sped-up garage-punk.

 

 

Obnox (Thursday @ Now That’s Class)

Lamont Thomas’ Obnox is arguably the biggest thing to hit the Cleveland punk scene since the big bang of the ’70s spewed out classic acts like electric eels, Mirrors, Rocket From the Tombs, Pere Ubu and The Pagans. Across three LPs and countless singles and EPs, Thomas has expanded his interpretation of punk to include gospel, blues and old-school hip-hop. This is a player at the top of his game.

 

 

Homostupids (Friday @ Now That’s Class)

Going to a weekend of shows, it’s always a good idea to bring protection for your ears. When Cleveland’s Homostupids take the stage late, Friday night, you may need earplugs for your earplugs. They take fast and loud to an almost absurd end.

 

 

Iceage (Thursday @ Now That’s Class)

Say what you will about Thursday’s headliners, Iceage (harmless provocateurs, stupid kids, Nazi Punks are common complaints), they know how to make headlines and know how to bulldoze crowds with their ’77 approach to classic UK post-punk.