One of our local boys went down to LA LA land and came up huge. Most of us knew that Chris Buxton was a renaissance man of sorts, but even some of his best friends had no idea that he would "Renue" New Wave. And we're not talking about that New Wave that just barely made it palpable to turn on MV3, no these guys are much more punk than the synthed out Thompson Twins nor as hook oriented and limited as Haircut 100. Admit it tough guy, we know you love Slayer but you also bow down to The Smiths and The Cure..Anima and Animus...enter Animal Games.

The foundation of what is now officially "Animal Games" began taking form in late 2007, when long-time ex band mates Juan Pablo Grado and Frank Tobias agreed to develop a new project after having excercised practicality for a period of time. The two sought out to achieve a brand of discharge that encompassed no rules and paid tribute to a plethora of influences/sounds; be it the raunchy rhythms of glorious punk bands or the beautiful yet sometimes comical melodies of ambassadors from the 80's, and everything outside and in between.

The project teased and sometimes tortured itself with several musicians before lining up appropriately. In sum, three years of trial and error at several positions resulted in the implantation of Matt Hansen and Daniel Gonzalez, who provide the band's beating and coloring, respectively.

In the summer of 2010, vocalist Chris Buxton-Smith crossed paths with Animal Games. Smith, having left a scattered trail that passed through the likes of Mississippi and San Fransisco, gracefully finalizes a group that cohesively and patiently pumps out songs that represent the games that you and I play....

This bill is rounded out by two of SF's future stars: The French Cassettes and Ghost Parade. The French Cassettes make me want to take the day of work, drop the top on a stolen '75 Caddy and get sunburnt. If you have heard the ironically Radley single off their new EP then you know what I mean. Ghost Parade just finished their first EP, and those of you who still wish GVSB would've gotten the credit and money they deserved in the 90's will have a deep appreciation for what these guys are up to.