Fascist Fascist

Baltimore-based Fascist Fascist formed in April 2004 by friends Randolph Davis (drums) and Ellie Beziat (original vocals) in response to what they perceived as a worldwide rock depression and apathy towards live music in favor of the quasi-professional performance of 80s reissue dance CDs. Fascist Fascist produces high-volume, aggressive music reminiscent of an earlier era, but eerily relevant today.Davis (Great Unraveling, The Thumbs, Tear Gas Rock) played in the Baltimore trio The Uniform with angular guitarist Christian Sturgis (UOA, The Homosexuals, Low Moda) and enlisted him. Rock sensible Chris “The Breeze” Calabrese (Attica 9, Honky Slim) soon joined on bass. Corey Allender (Stars of the Dogon, Cass McCombs) completed the original lineup on guitar/weed. Guitar (and weed) efforts were subsequently assumed by Philadelphia native Brian Dubin (Stars of the Dogon, Charm City Suicides, Double Dagger), solidifying the band’s “controlled noise” trademark. Baltimore scene veteran, aggro icon, and current San Francisco cabby Ben Valis (Stars of the Dogon) appeared in the winter of 05 to front the band. The wide range of personalities, interests and talents of Fascist Fascist have enhanced the band’s ability to creatively express a wide range of musical influences and beliefs. FF’s brand of music is rife with fury, rhetoric, and significance.Fascist Fascist is most noted for its live performance. The band first performed live on July 4, 2004 at local rock venue the Ottobar, not on its giant stage, but on the second floor bar at dusk. Fascist Fascist has a solid work ethic and believes in accessibility and the improvement of community. Within the band’s song construction are the many encoded themes of contemporary feminism, frustration with local media, aimlessness and absurdity of youth culture today, and the cult of “hip” celebrity.