Tuesday, October 23, 2018
This local promoter makes welcoming influx of foreign punks into the country through Orlando a tradition
Posted By Bao Le-Huu on Tue, Oct 23, 2018 at 3:45 PM
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Foreign Dissent 5, Will’s Pub, Oct. 22
Good ideas abound yet many fail to stick while lesser ones persist. It’s an unfair world. Thankfully, Foreign Dissent – the annual global punk-rock showcase diligently and lovingly held by local promoter Punching Babies – has endured to become a proud Orlando tradition.
More than just another regular show, the series has become a one-night mini festival unto itself, powered by the momentum of a Central Florida influx of bands on the road to the big annual punk mecca of the Fest in Gainesville, support by the punk community and the total belief and dedication of organizer Craig Mazer. To mark its landmark fifth year, the latest Foreign Dissent blew it out with an eight-band bill spanning five countries.
It was a night of consistently solid performances by notably together bands. Superlative appearances included the melodic aggression of Canadian duo Mobina Galore and the emotional and dynamic post-hardcore of English band Hora Douse, who prove that feeling and torque need not be mutually exclusive things.
Probably the most sonically focused act were Dutch band Lone Wolf. With a live attack that is astonishingly big-time, they specialize in storming, melodic punk rock that throws open the throttle on its way to total triumph.
But one of the most memorable performances of the night came from Happy Accidents, a UK band making their American debut. Between their charming songs and refreshing lack of punk stereotype, their brisk yet substantial twee-punk was a sparkling standout with indie appeal, coed vocals and aptitude for melody.
What I love more than any single band, though, is the phenomenon of the happening. For showgoers, it’s a real discovery event, something vitally important to the health of a music scene but so often undervalued, especially in Orlando. Being unknown and from abroad, none of these bands has an established fan base here. Yet people still turn out here to see them. It’s like a concert utopia. Whether they’re curious, open-minded or good about doing their homework, it’s a great index of true live-music fans.
Moreover, it’s become an event that fosters international fellowship through music, a small but meaningful modern countermeasure that’s needed more now than perhaps ever. You can feel it in the air and hear it in the thanks that every band expresses to the audience while on stage. Foreign Dissent is a testament to the power and unity of punk-rock positivity.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
Foreign Dissent 5, Will’s Pub, Oct. 22
Good ideas abound yet many fail to stick while lesser ones persist. It’s an unfair world. Thankfully, Foreign Dissent – the annual global punk-rock showcase diligently and lovingly held by local promoter Punching Babies – has endured to become a proud Orlando tradition.
More than just another regular show, the series has become a one-night mini festival unto itself, powered by the momentum of a Central Florida influx of bands on the road to the big annual punk mecca of the Fest in Gainesville, support by the punk community and the total belief and dedication of organizer Craig Mazer. To mark its landmark fifth year, the latest Foreign Dissent blew it out with an eight-band bill spanning five countries.
It was a night of consistently solid performances by notably together bands. Superlative appearances included the melodic aggression of Canadian duo Mobina Galore and the emotional and dynamic post-hardcore of English band Hora Douse, who prove that feeling and torque need not be mutually exclusive things.
Probably the most sonically focused act were Dutch band Lone Wolf. With a live attack that is astonishingly big-time, they specialize in storming, melodic punk rock that throws open the throttle on its way to total triumph.
But one of the most memorable performances of the night came from Happy Accidents, a UK band making their American debut. Between their charming songs and refreshing lack of punk stereotype, their brisk yet substantial twee-punk was a sparkling standout with indie appeal, coed vocals and aptitude for melody.
What I love more than any single band, though, is the phenomenon of the happening. For showgoers, it’s a real discovery event, something vitally important to the health of a music scene but so often undervalued, especially in Orlando. Being unknown and from abroad, none of these bands has an established fan base here. Yet people still turn out here to see them. It’s like a concert utopia. Whether they’re curious, open-minded or good about doing their homework, it’s a great index of true live-music fans.
Moreover, it’s become an event that fosters international fellowship through music, a small but meaningful modern countermeasure that’s needed more now than perhaps ever. You can feel it in the air and hear it in the thanks that every band expresses to the audience while on stage. Foreign Dissent is a testament to the power and unity of punk-rock positivity.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Orlando Weekly. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Orlando Weekly, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. No attachments will be considered. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. Letters may be edited and shortened for space.
Email us at feedback@orlandoweekly.com.
Support Local Journalism.
Join the Orlando Weekly Press Club
Local journalism is information. Information is power. And we believe everyone deserves access to accurate independent coverage of their community and state. Our readers helped us continue this coverage in 2020, and we are so grateful for the support.
Help us keep this coverage going in 2021. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing membership pledge, your support goes to local-based reporting from our small but mighty team.
Join the Orlando Weekly Press Club for as little as $5 a month.
Related Stories
-
Women completely owned international punk showcase Foreign Dissent at Will's Pub
Oct 30, 2019 -
The Brian Setzer Orchestra to bring their Christmas Rocks tour to Orlando
Oct 26, 2018 -
Ariana Grande announces Orlando show set for 2019
Oct 25, 2018 -
Local musician Marc WIth a C in the mix for a Grammy nomination
Oct 25, 2018 -
KC and the Sunshine Band to play the Villages next month
Oct 24, 2018 -
30 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Oct 24, 2018 -
Foreign Dissent spotlights punk around the world
Oct 17, 2018 -
Worldwide punk showcase Foreign Dissent to celebrate fifth anniversary this October
Jul 17, 2018 -
Foreign Dissent brings international intrigue to Will's Pub for the fourth year in a row
Oct 23, 2017 -
Foreign Dissent showcases the best in international punk at Will's Pub
Oct 24, 2016 -
This Little Underground: Foreign Dissent (international pre-Fest showcase)
Oct 29, 2014
Speaking of...
-
Orlando rap veteran MidaZ the BEAST drops new song and video
Nov 11, 2021 -
Orlando's Tanner Jones emerges from behind the counter of his Easy Luck Coffee with a new band, Couplet, and new album
Nov 10, 2021 -
Orlando concert picks, Nov. 11-17: Erykah Badu, Goodie Mob, Scarface, IV and the Strange Band, Beach Bunny
Nov 10, 2021 - More »
More on The Heard
-
You can use Metallica's Lars Ulrich as a toilet at a Tampa metal show this weekend
Nov 30, 2021 -
Last 'WPRK Comes Alive' of 2021 features the formidable lineup of Orlando's Casey Jones II and Flozigg
Nov 30, 2021 -
Eagles will soar into Orlando in 2022 as part of their 'Hotel California' tour
Nov 24, 2021 - More The Heard »
More by Bao Le-Huu
-
Orlando's Chris Mendez releases downtempo 'Hot Days//Cold Nights' under the moniker TranQilo; improv noise collective Tinnitus Rex drops 'Road to Ruin'
Dec 1, 2021 -
Orlando concert picks, Dec. 3-7: Street Cleaner, Moondragon, Pressure Kitten, Fotocrime, Fool's Ghost, Church Girls
Dec 1, 2021 -
New releases from Orlando's Gerald Law II and Little Lazy
Nov 24, 2021 - More »
Readers also liked…
-
After COVID-19 tragedy, political newcomer Tony Tsonis runs for Florida House District 48
Jun 23, 2020 -
Orlando's Swan City Bagels closes after owner's 'hateful' tweets spark controversy
Jun 6, 2020 -
As Florida coronavirus cases soar, new credit card study links infection spikes to in-person restaurant dining
Jul 6, 2020
Most Popular
-
Florida parents, state agree that school mask case is pointless Read More
-
Florida lawmakers propose allowing jobs to count toward service hours for Bright Futures scholarship Read More
-
Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy! restaurant will open in Winter Park this week Read More
-
You can use Metallica's Lars Ulrich as a toilet at a Tampa metal show this weekend Read More
-
A Hello Kitty pop-up truck is coming to the Florida Mall Saturday Read More
Newsletters
Read the Digital Print Issue
November 24, 2021
Euclid Media Group, LLC
Read Our Sister Publications
- Cleveland Scene
- Cincinnati CityBeat
- Creative Loafing Tampa
- Detroit Metro Times
- Louisville LEO Weekly
- St. Louis Riverfront Times
- San Antonio Current
- Out in SA
- Out in STL
Marketing Services
