Be At The Show

Terror

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

Seeing Terror last year at NBT with Erin felt like a culmination and a step up for us in so many ways. That was our first time archiving a legendary institutional hardcore band like them, and the show delivered in every way imaginable. Getting to see them this year at home was the next chapter in the story. It represented not only the progression of our work as an artistic duo but the growth of our local scene and community. Hardcore before anything else is about that communal aspect, and I was unbelievably proud to see that come to a needlepoint during Terror's set. To be truthful about the matter, the set wasn't that much different from when we saw them at NBT. It was all the things you'd expect. It was loud, it was fast, and it was chaotic. People dove and danced the entire time, and Scott screamed his lungs out for more and more. But what felt different was being able to look around the room and reflect upon all of the relationships, connections, and fleeting memories I have been able to share with these people that surrounded me. A year ago I was just getting involved in our local music scene, and in turn was just starting to meet and get to know all the various characters. At that time I would have looked around the room and seen strangers and acquaintances, but now I can look and see an ever growing room full of friends. I am lucky to be a piece of that tapestry. That is what local music and specifically hardcore represents to me. If you are reading this and are nervous or unsure about coming out to a show, please take this as a sign to step out with us. You just might see and experience something beautiful.

These took forever to finish but we ball. Heavy show at the store this Thursday the 13th. Pull up. Love you guys.

PWE: Sweetheart Slam

Savannah River Brewing Co. Augusta, GA. 2•1•2024

I left work just past six with plans to meet Erin at the brewery, grab a beer, and enjoy the show, but as I pulled up to SRBC I was floored to see the parking lot completely packed out and cars lining the street on all sides. After driving almost three blocks to find a spot I made the hike back, now full of excitement for what was to come. As I entered the building I was immediately greeted by a sea of fans all brimming with anticipation for the upcoming show. Taps were flowing, food was being wolfed down, and smiles were strapped on every face I could see. As the show began I was surprisingly greeted by the arrival of a familiar face. A friend from my high school years walked through the back curtain and boastfully walked to the ring for the opening match. Getting to see him in front of an electric crowd in a compelling physical matchup filled my heart with joy. It pleased me to cross his path again, this time with us both coincidentally pursuing our own artistic endeavors. The whole evening was perfectly paced, with matches being broken up by short breaks, just long enough to take a p**s or grab another beer for a friend. Erin was able to post herself right up at the front, constantly looking back at me with a gleaming smile and huge thumbs up. The main event was a 4-way bout between Sean Legacy, Cody Fluffman, Drew Adler, and Marcus Menos to determine who would a #1 contender spot for the first ever SRNC Championship. After a match with comedy, brawling into the crowd, a run in from a canadian masked menace, and some final moments ripe with drama and sweat, Drew Adler pinned Cody Fluffman to secure his chance to grab the SRBC Championship. Get your tickets for Clover Clash on March 14th while they are available. PWE is bringing something fun and enthralling your way every month for the rest of 2024.

Everyone seems to be enjoying the zine. We still have some available at the store if you haven't picked one up yet! Much love. Phoenix Wrestling Experience

NO CURE

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 11•25•2023

It was just past 9 when No Cure began their set. What would follow would be chaotic, cathartic, completely invigorating. Erin perched herself up on the side of the stage to my right, with her camera in hand and a smile on her face. I perched myself at the front of the stage. For shows like this I always wanted to be right up front screaming lyrics right alongside the rest of my fellow audience members. As soon as the band began playing the room erupted. The frontman would hold the audience in the palm of his hand, commanding this maelstrom of violence with razor like precision. He would pound back and forth across the stage, leaving mud holes stomped into the stage wherever he went. The thick metallic hardcore sound of this band smashed its way into my brain, filling me and everyone around me up to the brim. This set had everything you'd want for the last ride of the year. Claire cartwheeled off the stage into everyone up front. Brooks jumped off the stage and flailed around as I held him aloft. We told some old dude to pound pavement when he expressed that he wasn't happy with the fun we were having. No cure in so many ways felt like a culmination of everything we've been working on this year. For one year I have been meeting new people and making new friends in our local heavy music scene. For one year I have been going to shows with my best friend and getting to watch her photography progress. For one year I have been getting to see people respond to our work. I am grateful for this love we have received, I am grateful for my friends old and new, and I am grateful for Augusta hardcore. I can only hope these beautiful things will continue thriving next year.

We are finishing up work on a zine. It will be a collection of some of our favorite photos and sets from the year. We can't wait to show you guys. We love you.