The Transplants just concluded their tour as the opening band for the Foo Fighters. Sometimes having bands with such contrasting sounds can be troublesome. Not for the Transplants, at least not at the Universal Amphitheater shows. The crowd was very in to them. In some cases it seemed as though people were there more for them than for the headlining band.

Cold stares, a sour taste your mouth, and a throat full of bile. Bad ass punk never felt so good. Tim Armstrong (from Rancid), Rob Aston and Travis Barker (of Box Car Racer and Blink 182) are The Transplants -new classic punk for our day. They hints of the best of what the old glory days of punk had to offer with a spin that makes them fresh. Sounding similar to bands like Big Audio Dynamite and Public Image Limited, mixed with the inexorable verbal revolt of bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols.

Photo by Estevan Or

They got to play a decent set for a supporting band. Long enough to please their fans and gain interest of some new fans. The set included tunes from the bands self-titled album "Romper Stomper," "DJ, DJ" and the single "Diamonds and Guns" and others. Potent, entertaining, exhilarating and loud, having them as an opener is a pretty good way to get amped. The cow-punk/techno-Western style radio hit "Diamonds and Guns" isn't actually the best they have to offer, but probably the most "mainstream friendly" of what they do.

The riotous on stage personas of both Tim and Rob are commanding as they go back and forth swapping vocal lines. Tim's voice hits you like a shock of electricity as he spews words laced in battery acid wrapped in his effective accent. His words incite you to create your own personal rebellion. The angst-ridden vocals are perfect for slam dancing, moshing, or just singing along. Wise guy Rob Aston co-fronts this dynamic trio like the punk version of a gangsta-rapper. He comes off as the dangerous type lyrically persuasive, but with a smug emotional indifference. Barker rides the skins with proficiency and flair he beats you off to quick rhythmic strikes that rattle and resonate in your head. They leave you wanting more or at least looking forward to the next time you can catch them in town.

Check out the Transplants album that is currently in stores and keep an eye open for the next time they hit the LA area. Learn more about them at thetransplants.com