May Events at Basement Transmissions*

Contributed

Don't miss the opportunity to see the legendary Murphy's Law (pictured) as they take the stage at local venue Basement Transmissions. Additionally, the venue has planned a Slackjaw show as well as a Stuff Swap, all happening throughout May.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, MAY 15

Basement Transmissions* is going into the summer concert season in full swing, with the help of Idlestar Productions, fresh off a recent show with metalcore band Unearth on May 1. Two national touring acts will grace their stage, starting with South Carolina metal up-and-comers Slackjaw on May 15 and New York City Hardcore legends Murphy's Law on tour with California punk band Total Chaos on May 28.

*(UPDATE: Both the Slackjaw show on 5/15 and the Murphy's Law show on 5/28 have been moved to the Bunker at Lavery Brewing Company, located behind the brewery at 128 W. 12th Street)

Slackjaw is a groove metal band from South Carolina Influenced by Black Label Society and Pantera, who released their first album in 2020. They currently have 34,000 views on their latest video "Ascend" on YouTube within just a few weeks of its release. They are on tour with fellow low-country band Razorgrave, hailing from Greenville, South Carolina. Razorgrave is more thrash in their approach, relying on chunkier grooves and breakneck beats. Rounding out this evening of metal will be Shiver and Blaspheme.

The next mosh-worthy event will be with veteran hardcore-punk band Murphy's Law, who have been the life of the party since 1982, with their fun, beer drinking-inspired songs. The last time Murphy's Law graced the Gem City was when they opened for The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy on April 12, 1987 at the (then) Erie Civic Center. Over the years there have been various members in the band, but mainstay Jimmy G still leads Murphy's Law as they continue to bring their raucous party from town to town. Along for their Crucial Bar-B-Q is hardcore punk band Total Chaos from Pomona, California. Formed in 1989, and releasing their first full length LP in 1993, Total Chaos are known for their social and political views, helping organize Food Not Bombs events, The Orange County Peace Punks, and supporting the Big Mountain Indian Reservation. The last time Total Chaos was in town was in 1995 when they played a legendary show at The Erie Art Museum Annex in 1995, which ended in (total) chaos. Support for the show will be local mainstays Mala Sangre and thrash masters Maniacal Device.

In the same vein as DIY ethics and punk ethos, Basement Transmissions is also hosting a "Stuff Swap" on May 18. This eco-friendly idea is a way to declutter your home while discovering things that would serve a better purpose. Attendees can bring gently used clothing, books, toys, home decor, electronics, kitchen gadgets, and miscellaneous items to Basement Transmissions for repurposing. There is a $3 donation at the door to help cover the cost to host the event, with the leftover money to be donated after the event.

Slackjaw: May 15 // 6 to 11p.m. // $15 in advance, $20 day of show (venue changed to the Bunker at Lavery Brewing Company, 128 W. 12th St.) For more info: @idlestarproductions

Stuff Swap: May 18 // 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. // Free // For more info: facebook.com/basement.transmissions

Murphy's Law & Total Chaos: May 28 // 5:30 p.m. // $20 in advance, $25 day of show (venue changed to the Bunker at Lavery Brewing Company, 128 W. 12th St.) For more info: @idlestarproductions