Circle Jerks W/ Adolescents and Negative

Phantom Light Media
Oct 23, 2025
2 min read

At the beginning of the night, I thought it was just photos. Later, I realized this was review number three over the last 4 days. I'm okay with that, though; it's what I signed up for, and I enjoy it. Especially, since the music tonight comes with some social value.

To start the night off was Negative Approach, a Hardcore punk band formed in Detroit, Michigan. As is expected, their music came at us a million beats a minute and relentless. This would be the pace for most of the nights. Leaving lots of bruised and sweaty bodies before the night is over.

The following act was one I got to cover previously this year, touring with Bouncing Souls. The Adolescents, another hardcore punk band from Fullerton, California, formed in 1979. They kept the pace started by Negative Approach. Like said earlier, I didn't realize I was going to be writing tonight. So I spent a large portion of this set listening to it and talking with friends. It was during this set that it finally hit me. This other task I had to do towards the end of their set.

So, to give you a sense of the pace of the music, the photo policy was 1st 6 songs from the barricade. This being my first time enjoying the Circle Jerks I got pretty excited. Then the lightbulb came on…look up the set list. The 1st 6 songs was 7 minutes total. This the 45th Anniversary of their album “Group Sex”. Which slowed the pace intermittently. They take on a journey of political warning and friendship. With blocks of music in-between the conversation. Thanking and shouting the various friends they have made over the years since they formed in Los Angeles, California in 1979.

One of the best things about going to a punk rock show with bands that have existed as long as these have is? First they have survived, and their message is still being heard, and their music is a message. The crowds, from the pit to the wallflowers are varied and multi generational, and I think this is amazing.