Sunday matinees will never be the same

Sunday matinees have never seemed the same

Since you turned our hardcore shows into a football game.

But you're not the only one to blame, Because we sat back for so many years And watched you play all your stupid tough-guy games

We took your shit and now we're lying in it.It's time to make a change... MAKE IT FUCKIN' CHANGE

If there's 200 kids and only there total dicks, Which of us do you think should get to say

I WILL STAY 

Battery - Go Back To The Gym

To be honest the above lyrics to one of the better Battery songs have nothing to do with playing the sunday matinee in Aarle-Rixtel. If anything there was no macho behaviour just a diverse group of people having a good time.

I had never been in the OJA before. And was surprised to find such a great venue in The Netherlands. Belgium is known for these kind of places but to find a small club in the middle of a small village in The Netherlands where local kids come and see bands, it's still great

The matinee started with Belgium newcomers Accept The Change. They remind me a lot of Have Heart and the singer has a great stage presence, really focusing on the music and withdrawn to the extent that as an outsider you get into it as well. They played a good set and set the tone for the rest of the day.

You know those show with lots of bands playing, taking their time to set-up and do another soundcheck? Those shows that go on and on forever and really get behind schedule. Well this was not one of them. In fact To The Test were already done playing their mix of Madball metalcore and our drummer and guitarplayer still had too arrive. Fortunately they walked in just in time to set up their gear and get focused. Ray brought one of his sons, which made me want to bring my kids to a show someday as well.

Our set went way better than last week. And we even sold our demos, compilation 7" and stuff. There's only one shirt left so we're going to try and have a new design ready for the next show on May 7.

Aarle-Rixtel was Dutch hardcore history in the making since after five years MM returned on stage, with a new singer. They weren't as rusty as expected and their songs inspired by 7 Seconds were still enjoyable. It was somewhat strange to see our drummer from the other side of the stage as he is also in MM.

What other band could close off the day then Said and Done. Everytime I see this band they are just one step better. They ripped it again. Beforehand Pim told me he was not sure his voice would hold, but it did. Everyone was grooving, singing along and enjoying one of the better bands in the Netherlands right now.

After that it was time to head back in the Shieldrecordings van and go back to Tilburg.

I WILL STAY