Guttermouth by John Gentile
There’s a German term, innerer schweinehund, that helps explain the under-the-radar endurance of Huntington Beach punkers Guttermouth. That voice — the “inner pig dog” — defies normalcy and responsibility, and in Guttermouth’s case keeps the band blasting away.
Not becoming as famous as other California punks of their era has not kept front man Mark Adkins and Co. down. Quite the contrary, it’s secured Guttermouth’s place and reputation for never sacrificing their snotty, who-gives-a-shit attitude.
“Angry I am not. Never really have been, what makes you think that?” Adkins replies when asked by PureHoney what has fueled him for 34 years as a bandleader. “I like what I do, it’s that simple. We all must have a job, but I am one of lucky ones.”
Guttermouth’s biting sarcasm surfs atop the changing cultural sensitivities and societal mores that occupy public discourse. Songs like “Lipstick” and “Pee in the Shower” unabashedly tackle taboos, while tracks like “Asshole,” “Derek,” and “Hot Dog To The Head (A Hot Dog Is A Food Not A Penis So Get It Right Or Pay The Price)” showcase their confrontational humor.
Guttermouth live shows likewise don’t short on provocation, with Adkins’ between-song banter often toeing the line between outrageous and offensive. They’ve even run afoul of Canada – Canada! – and famously recused themselves from a Warped Tour when politics bled into the festivities.
”I’m staying out of politics,” Adkins says. “I’ve got much better things to do like absolutely nothing or take a nap.”
Fans can look forward to a treasure trove of tracks including the entirety of 1997’s “Musical Monkey” album played live. ”We are pulling some songs we have never played live before,” Adkins says.
And maybe he’ll launch into a tirade on stage about refusing to do certain things, and in doing that give a textbook example of how to be punk when punk has out-punked itself. Whatever. It’ll be whatever the inner pig dog says, and it will be fine.
Guttermouth with 1983, Billy Doom is Dead and Young Cassidy perform 7pm Thursday, Sept. 21 at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale. instagram.com/guttermouthofficial ~ Abel Folgar
