Wild Wild Wets fully freaked out the Casbah with Jackie Mendoza and Chorduroy while Doc Hammer and The Gay Agenda dazzled in The Razzmatazz
The Wild Wild Wets‘ Time Mutations record release party on August 30th was as good a time as any to Freak Out, so the San Diego Freak Out did just that, gathering a diverse lineup showcasing the city’s vibrant and unique musical landscape and drawing the usual allotment of the unusual, the Freaks of the Scene back to the Casbah once again. With in-between sounds laid down by SDFO DJ and designer Andrew McGranahan and digital/liquid lights thrown up by Gonzo Liquid Light Show, not a single element was left to chance as this Freak Out had been meticulously planned.
Chorduroy kicked things off on the main stage with a high-energy set of their signature SoCal psych rock. The four-piece band led by Taylor Sandobal channeled the frantic, high-octane energy of contemporary psych giants like Oh Sees and Ty Segall, but infused it with a distinctively San Diego flavor—a blend of sun-drenched melodies and gritty, garage-rock intensity. Their performance was a masterclass in dynamic rhythm and raw power, with guitar riffs that spiraled into hypnotic loops and a rhythm section that laid down an unshakeable groove. The band even unveiled a few unreleased new tunes, teasing a future of even more explosive sonic explorations. Their set successfully revved up the crowd, drawing in the uninitiated and solidifying their reputation as a must-see act.
Getting things started in the more intimate Razzmatazz room, The Gay Agenda let everyone in on their chaotic, exhilarating queercore party. The band’s performance was a relentless assault of raw, unbridled punk energy. Lead singer Misael’s searing vocals cut through the room, a defiant roar over a furious wall of sound, followed by his sweaty, sweaty body. Each track was a declaration, screamed with every ounce of passion, creating an atmosphere of cathartic release. The crowd in the Razzmatazz was agog, thrashing and moving to the band’s relentless energy.
Back on the main stage, Jackie Mendoza took over next, bringing a sound that is truly her own. Describing her music is a challenge, as it effortlessly blends genres, though perhaps fits under electro-pop or psychedelic cumbia. However, her own term, “ukelele psicodélico,” proves to be the most fitting. Joined by a live drummer and bassist, Jackie created a sonic tapestry that was both intricate and infectious. Her ethereal vocals floated over pulsating electronic beats, while her ukulele provided a bright, percussive backbone. The live instrumentation added a dynamic layer, grounding the electronic elements with organic grooves. Her set was a much-needed and captivating respite between the high-octane hardcore sessions happening in the Razzmatazz, offering a moment of melodic, rhythmic bliss that caught everyone’s ear.
Doc Hammer then completely smashed the Razzmatazz to pieces. Their performance was an explosion of ferocious, sludgy punk rock energy. The band’s sound was a monolithic force, with thick, distorted basslines and guttural vocals that reverberated through the small room and beyond. The intensity of their set pushed its way out past the merch booth and all the way back to the main room door, drawing curious onlookers with its raw, magnetic power. Doc Hammer’s presence was undeniable, a physical and sonic manifestation of pure, unadulterated aggression and a perfect complement to the chaotic energy of the venue.
Taking charge of the main stage, Wild Wild Wets celebrated the release of their latest record with a complete, front-to-back performance of their new album, Time Mutations. This new work sees the band venturing into more expansive, experimental territory while retaining their core psychedelic sound. The album is a sonic journey that explores themes of transformation and the passage of time, weaving together swirling synth textures, fuzzed-out guitars, and hypnotic vocal harmonies. The live performance of the album was a treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike, offering a complete and immersive experience not likely to be replicated.
The current lineup of Mike Turi (vocals, keys), Taejon Romanik (vocals, guitar), Alberto Sanchez (bass), David Mead (drums), Jason Crane (congas, trumpet, percussion), and Priscilla Castro (vocals, percussion) has truly struck gold. Turi and Romanik’s combined vocal harmonies soared over the intricate arrangements, while Sanchez and Mead provided a tight, powerful rhythm section. The addition of Jason Crane’s congas and trumpet added a layer of soulful, percussive richness, and Priscilla Castro’s vocals and percussion further deepened the band’s sonic palette. They capped off the full album performance with a fan-favorite encore, a revisit to their first single, Criminal Blue, bringing the evening to a perfect, high-energy close.
