Photo by Rae Romero
Post-hardcore punk band Hot Water Music journeyed through California last week, and after a sold-out show at Los Angeles’ Echoplex, the quartet headlined yet again at the Santa Ana Observatory Wednesday, Feb. 6.
Benny Garcia, 23, was anxious to see the band of 20-plus years take the stage.
“They are one of my favorite bands,” said Garcia. “ I like their old stuff, like Never Ender and Moonpies for Misfits.”
As a long-time fan, Garcia was excited when he had the chance to meet lead singer Chuck Ragan, something many other fans would envy.
“He was a really cool guy, he was super nice and shook everyone’s hands,” said Garcia.
Despite the countless devoted Hot Water Music fans like Garcia in the crowd, not everyone was there to see the Gainesville, Fla. punk rockers.
Many concert goers were actually there to see the second act of the night, supporting band La Dispute.
When asked why they liked La Dispute, replies generally involved the band’s amazing vocals and lyrics.
Doug Schmidt, 22, was there to see La Dispute with his two friends and fellow La Dispute fans, Aaron Leavitt and Brent Burmeister.
La Dispute puts on a really good performance on top of the amazing lyrics, Schmidt said.
“Musically, instrumentally, everything is all on point,” added Schmidt.
La Dispute can be easily compared to bands like Rise Against or Hollywood Undead for their “half screamed, half rapped” style of music.
Throughout the course of the night, starting with The Menzingers, then La Dispute and ending with Hot Water Music, several things became apparent about the throng of bodies.
Everyone came to have a good time, support the bands and above all, crowd surf.
Musical Musings and Other Stuff 