Artist of the Month, February 1997
VKTMS
VKTMS are probably the hardest rocking, most soulful,
most versatile band to have come out of the original punk era in San Francisco.
While these descriptions would hardly be unusual for then, these days
it isn't so common and is even more rare for a band with such longevity.
Inspired by the fire and intensity of the punk explosion,
Louis Gwerder (drums) began putting
a band together with some friends on bass and guitar. They found Nyna
(Napalm) Crawford through
a listing on a bulletin board. This was the beginning of the type of
serendipity that has always occurred around VKTMS. Not only was
the band impressed by her vocal and lyric writing talents but they were
also awed by the way she cracked the solid concrete floor with her hyper-active
performing style.
After working on their sound and songs for awhile, VKTMS
brought in Steve Ricablanca to replace the original bass player.
Steve's powerful approach gave the band an even more punchy sound. Shortly
after this, Steve called an East Bay friend John
Binkov (who also plays keyboards) to join up. Using John's
background in various styles, as well as his tough attitude, the finishing
touch was added to the project.
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Playing gigs with the Dead Kennedys, DOA, Flipper, Mutants, and so forth
at the legendary Mabuhay Gardens, around the San Francisco Bay area, and
up and down the coast helped establish the VKTMS sound and style.
Shows with the Ramones, Johnny Thunders and other godfathers toughened
the music even more. VKTMS also became the ritual sacrificial offering
for many touring acts (Stranglers, Roky Erikson, 999, Killing Joke, Wall
of Voodoo, Bush Tetras, Fear, Psychedelic Furs, Delta 5, and many others)
when they came through town.
VKTMS are still around and still kicking.
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VKTMS have released a single on 415 Records - "No
Long Good-Byes"/"100% White Girl", a song ("Ballad
of Pincushion Smith") on the S.F. Underground ep (along with Flipper,
No Alternative and the Tools), another 7" with four songs on it
(including "Midget") which has become a collector's item,
and a self-titled limited edition album (on virgin vinyl of course).
In July,1996 VKTMS put out a double EP package, with one EP of newly
recorded material combined with a rerelease of the "Midget"
EP.
HEY! the records are here and
are almost sold out!!!
You can order from Daflespitz Records - P.O. Box 420626, San Francisco,
CA 94142-0626
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