The Woggles, the Crotches, The Implosions, Crom Fallon and the P200 at the Usual Place, Wednesday August 5, 2026

 

We haven't seen the Woggles since they blew the roof off of the Tiki Oasis finale 10 years ago, but any time a national/international garage band comes to town, we gotta make it out. Of course, it helped that there were 3 happening local bands on the bill, as well!

I can't remember the last time we saw Cromm's P200, either, but it had certainly been a while. Back to a three piece with Cromm on bass - at times he's been on guitar, sometimes just vocals, but always stylishly rockin'! Of course, he is more than ably backed by Truland on guitar (moving from clean tones, to wildly fuzzed out to heavy) and Aaron on  driving drums and harmonic backing vocals.

Cromm has always had a variety of influences and while 60's garage is a powerful contender, there is at least as much 70's punk (among others) in his sound these days, as evidenced in the wildly frantic first few numbers. The 60's sounds still are apparent, but with a nice variety and plenty of edge. Always worth checking out!

Anyone who has ever perused this page knows that I have ranted'n'raved countless times about our pals The Implosions. Their Vegas-centric brand of garage/punk/Cramps-ian moodiness is always a fave with us and their live show continues to evolve into a strongly visual, as well as musical, event as they get increasingly more confident. Adrienne is a fine singer and has become quite the front person, shimmy-ing and shaking as she yelps'n'croons while the rest of the crew provide a solid backing for the songs about the ghosts of Rhyolite, playing the ponies, taking pix with a million dollars, cashing out and lots more. They have their own audience participation number which always goes over big and they join the audience themselves as the mood strikes them. One of Vegas' finest!

We needed a breath of air and some fries from the food truck in the adjacent parking lot, so we missed a bit of the Crotches, but they put on a wild show with a sound that is impossible to describe - I've seen them numerous times and have no idea what to compare them to or what words to use for them. Talented musicians, a dynamic frontperson and their own sound which seemed to win over the crowd.

But the stars of the night were certainly the Woggles, a comparatively later-day garage revival combo who nonetheless have been together for 30 years and are still rockin' non-stop!The band is a super talented, tight rock'n'roll combo, whose musical contributions all work towards the song while they put on an energetically visual show. Their sound and style - both visual and musical - reminded me of the Fleshtones - garage with a touch of soul, choreographed moves, jumping into the audience, a dynamic singer and even some honkin' saw on several numbers! 

Singer Manfred made it his mission to interact with the crowd - particularly with the lovely ladies in attendance - as he danced, sang'n'preached throughout the night. They had their own dance number, which the go-go dancers helped to demonstrate, and they gave the Wednesday night crowd plenty to jump'n'jive to!

I'm still a sucker for a well played, original garage rock'n'roll band and the Woggles are still tearing it up with quality and style! See them if you can for a rollicking good time!

Thanks once again to Brian Moy's Dirty Rock'n'Roll Dance Party (and I believe that Pulsar Presents participated, as well) and the Usual Place for a great night of happenin' rock'n'roll!