Although The Alley had featured a few shows here and there before April 5th, there's no denying The Know How CD release party held there was the club's true christening. With a modest crowd of about 200 to 250 kids, a stellar line up consisting of 4 of South Florida's best draws and the cult-favorite Know How, The Alley was in for a treat.

Getting this party started was Kaffe Krystal regulars, Audible. I recently got a hold of this trio's demo (see the Album Archives for the review), and I find their surf-punk vibe to be pretty enjoyable. Unfortunately, the crowd was still in it's "people mingling through the door"stage, so Audible wasn't given in return the energy the pour into the crowd. Playing most of the majority of their recorded material (available at via their shows) and a few tunes I didn't recognized, Audible played a solid 40 minutes without ever losing the interest of their crowd. Keep your eyes pealed on Audible the next couple of months, as they are bound to be the next big South Miami draw.

Due to some ::ahem:: technical difficulties ::ahem:: (The Monjees were bloody late), there was a good delay of about 30-40 minutes. A "chill" atmosphere took the crowd over, with everyone scoping out the entirety of the venue, hanging out and eating popcorn (does KRYSTAL have a pop-corn machine??? I think not) or making out on the couches (heh). Another interesting site was the mob who frenzied around the Know How's merch booth the milli second it was erected, all frantic to get a copy of the new CD (entitled "HappyFunRobotKillTime.") I got a copy myself and let me say...good stuff. Check back for the review soon enough!

When The Monjees arrived, got their shit together, and made their way on stage, they more then positively made up for their tardiness with their performance. The Monjees are an excellent, EXCELLENT reggae-ska combo, with a "grab your lady and shake your ass" intensity. I'm mostly unfamiliar with The Monjees material, but it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying their set. Moving briskly from "skank" mode to "boogie" mode to "grind" mode the boys delivered their regular refreshing act in a world consisting way too much of "punk with horns." And was that a Specials cover I heard?? Check out The Monjees when they'll be rocking out in their ideal environment, with dub superstar(s) King Django on June 13th.

After a much quicker set up, the latest edition to the Underfoot Records family, Bum Ruckus made their way on stage. Covering all the basics ("Sum Quad Eris”" as the opener and a set that featured "All in Time," "What's Your Sign," etc.) The Ruckus also busted out with an old favorite ("Live Until I Die") and a new track from their upcoming album, "This Is The Song Title." The pit was minimal, but mainly do to everyone just dancing and enjoying the band's fun brand of "ghetto ska."; After plugging their new disc and responding to a chant for fan favorite, "Struck a Nerve," the boys from Cooper City closed out their set with "Kevin's Song" (or is it "Tommy's Dub"-- haha) and said goodnight.

Despite the show running a bit late (it was already about 10:45 at this point) the majority of the crowd still stuck around, eagerly anticipating the night's main event...The Know How!! It's been quite some time since I saw Gainesville's finest (October 19th with Big D and the Kids Table was the last), and this was the best I've ever seen them. Playing heavily off both albums (a full hour of songs!!!!), the boys even took a slew of requests (including a rather drunken one executed by For The Punx zine staff member Robert, for the ever magnificent "Corey.") "Daniel Larusso's Going to Fight," "Selfish," and "Aubrey's House" all rocked the house, along with newer tracks like "Lately." EVERYONE was complete engulfed with the madness that is a Know How show, with everyone dancing up front, and an active skank-pit in the back. I mean..it's hard NOT to dance!! The band is just so completely loving every minute of their performance (how could you not love the ever destructive combination of silly string, confetti, and ska 'n roll), and their wild presence is felt despite the restraints of a smaller Alley stage.

Just before the crowd collapsed from complete exhaustion, The Know How wrapped up their set to a huge ovation, capping off avery successful night for all involved. Underfoot would like to extent a huge "you kick ass" to The Know How for taking a gamble on our new venue, and in the process helping it officially become established as the real deal. Not to shamelessly plug another Underfoot Event (I'm really not I swear!!!!), but I simply can't wait for their return to South Florida at the Bum Ruckus CD release party on May 18. See you there!!

-eL Matt