Off!’s final act: Punk legend Keith Morris and company go out with a bang onstage and on film

As a seasoned punk rocker and musician with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet satisfaction as I reflect on Off!, the band that brought together old friends and kindred spirits Keith Morris and myself. Our journey began when we reunited after years apart, feeling like brothers once more.

Last Sunday morning on the 134 Freeway, Keith Morris, a renowned singer and punk rock figure, drove his Honda towards a rehearsal session with Off! in Pomona’s studio. The car stereo played tunes from their newest album “Free LSD” as Morris wanted to refresh his memory with the record’s out-of-this-world lyrics about alien invasions and mind manipulation.

While driving, the music blasting from the car speakers created an ominous atmosphere with its anxious guitar chords and Morris’ frantic vocals: “Vanished without a trace/A new world beyond our reach/Unfamiliar lights, not ours… The moment of judgment has arrived!”

The song was “War Above Los Angeles,” a raging highlight from the 2022 album, written by Morris and Off!’s co-founder and guitarist Dimitri Coats. But after months of touring with his other band, the reunited Circle Jerks, Morris needed to clear his head of one band’s setlist and replace it with the other. He would study up on Off! lyrics for another few days before leaving for a final run of shows in Chicago, New York and L.A. before the band officially disbands.

Morris expresses his faith in his bandmates’ abilities with certainty: “My bandmates in Off! are all going to be great,” he assures. At 68 years old, with a long beard and dreadlocks reaching down to his knees, Morris has never been more active. He believes that once they begin rehearsals, it will bring forth a lot of ideas from him.

The punk rock band Off! is taking an indefinite break after their last performance on Friday at the Belasco in downtown Los Angeles. However, this farewell show is also a cause for celebration as the group’s long-awaited feature film, titled “Free LSD,” makes its debut. This rock ‘n’ roll science fiction comedy, reminiscent of 1984’s “Repo Man,” has finally been released following their grueling efforts.

In an intriguing twist, Morris runs a niche store catering to adults, yet yearns for more fulfillment outside of work. He indulges this desire by hosting a podcast where he explores UFOs, pyramids, and the enigmatic Sasquatch. However, when he develops erectile dysfunction and falls for a younger woman, he seeks help from an enigmatic doctor. This physician provides him with a drug that not only resolves his sexual issues but also grants him access to other dimensions. In this new realm, Morris becomes the lead singer of a band in the midst of a struggle between benevolent and malevolent extraterrestrials.

Coats penned and helmed the movie, boasting the band as stars alongside an eclectic ensemble comprised of Jack Black, music veterans David Yow (Jesus Lizard), Davey Havok (AFI), Chris D. (Flesh Eaters), Don Bolles (Germs), late Dead Kennedys drummer DH Peligro, Zander Schloss (Circle Jerks), and Angelo Moore (Fishbone).

Coats describes the production as a mix of prominent figures in punk rock, having studied acting at Juilliard prior to his music career. He clarifies that they weren’t aiming for cinematic masterpieces like “Citizen Kane.” Instead, it was a late-night project, reflective of their scene and rooted in the streets. They took pride in involving as many friends from the music world with acting abilities.

Following the Off! concert at Belasco (with Surfbort as special guests), the “Free LSD” movie holds its local debut at the Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica on August 2. After that, the film will be shown in multiple locations throughout Southern California, featuring live Q&A sessions with Coats and Morris. The movie is set to hit major streaming platforms on August 9, with a Blu-ray edition including extra features scheduled for release later in the year.

In his unique voice, Morris expresses, “This film holds the top spot for me as the most artistically and creatively rewarding experience I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in. Personally, I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished together.”

The band Off! is coming to an end after a 14-year long journey, as marked by the sale of their iconic Econoline van. Frontman Keith Morris will now dedicate his energy to performing with the Circle Jerks instead. This first-wave punk band from Southern California is experiencing renewed popularity, with larger shows and their first overseas tours since the 1980s.

Dimitri suggested that since we were planning to go out, we might as well make it an exceptional experience. However, Morris shared that they would remain open to any opportunities that come their way and for now, they need to put a pause on things.

During the rehearsal, Morris unravels lengthy sheets of paper, which he’s jotted down the band’s setlist in large, clear letters using a marker. He then puts these up in a studio adorned with antique sound equipment. Nearby, Coats positions himself next to a table laden with his electronic gadgets, introducing a fresh, noisy element to the band’s rendition of “Free LSD.”

Mario Rubalcaba and Autry Fulbright II join them on drums and bass respectively, adding fuel to the fire as they perform tracks from “Free LSD” and early album releases. The energy is unrelenting with no pauses in their powerful performance.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say it this way: The new music from the band still retains its gritty, raw edge that harkens back to the early days of their frontman Morris in Black Flag. But with this latest release, there’s an exciting new dimension added – layers of electronics, trippy soundscapes, and jazzy improvisations that take listeners on a sonic journey. And the lyrics? They’re less about navel-gazing introspection and more about the unknown, with Morris urging us to open our eyes: “There is another side…we are not alone!”

When it came to creating something fresh and daring for Off!’s latest project, Coats, their producer, was determined to push boundaries. “It seemed as if the future and the past were merging before our eyes,” he recalled. “I encouraged the team, ‘Let’s leave our comfort zones behind. Let’s take risks, even if it means looking foolish. We have an opportunity to innovate not just for ourselves, but for this genre we hold dear.'”

Since their last release in 2014 titled “Wasted Years,” this is the band’s new album filled with fresh tunes. Mojo magazine labeled it as a “frenzied masterpiece,” while AllMusic described it as an impressive and strangely wonderful victory.

About two decades ago, the future members of Off! came together when Coats was part of the band The Burning Brides, which had been signed to V2 Records. At that time, Morris held a position in the A&R department at the record label. Although Coats wasn’t familiar with the punk scene and hadn’t heard of Morris, they were instantly connected through their shared appreciation for The Burning Brides’ song “Glass Slipper.” This energetic minimalist rock track reminded Coats of his past experiences with Black Flag. As a result, they formed a strong friendship.

“Coats describes this band as an unexpected delight. For years, we were simply good friends who enjoyed sharing meals and browsing record stores together,” he explains. “He’s been there for important milestones in my life, such as the births of my children. We have a deep bond, like brothers.”

Morris hired him to create the long-awaited new Circle Jerks album, marking their first studio effort in fifteen years. However, this collaboration fell apart due to discord among band members regarding Coats’ producer position, ultimately leading Morris to depart and establish Off! together with the guitarist.

The duo went on to discover the remaining members of their original team: bassist Steven McDonald and Rubalcaba were identified. They produced music using the traditional “hit-and-run” method, reminiscent of early hardcore but infused with modern intensity that breathed new life into it. The majority of their songs barely exceeded one minute in duration.

Immediately upon their debut, Off! attracted a passionate following among punk fans and trendsetters. In a glowing 2010 critique for Pitchfork, it was stated that “Off! bring more than just a breath of fresh air – they’re absolutely indispensable.”

In 2015, Coats initially thought of creating a film. However, their plans hit a roadblock when a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds didn’t meet its goal. While dealing with the setbacks in recording Off!’s album and securing financing for the movie, the band sadly parted ways with its original rhythm section.

After a short time, Metallica extended an offer for Off! to contribute a rendition of one their songs to the commemorative album “The Metallica Blacklist,” celebrating the 30-year milestone of Metallica’s iconic “Black Album.” In response, Off! selected “Holier Than Thou” as their choice and enlisted Fulbright (previously of …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead) and Justin Brown, a skilled drummer with an impressive background in jazz music, having previously collaborated with artists such as Thundercat and Herbie Hancock.

“Coats remarked, ‘He joined us without much knowledge of punk rock beyond Bad Brains, but he brought that unique Mario-style swing we adored.’ However, he transformed the content in an unexpected way.” (After Brown left for other commitments last year, Rubalcaba re-joined Off!).

Despite the movie projects hitting rough waters, Coats understood that Off!’s collection of songs signified a potential leap for the band into unexplored creative territories. In a conversation with Morris, he proposed considering this as an alternative path worth pursuing. The movie aspirations might need to be set aside.

“Keith’s eyes filled with tears and his voice trembled as he declared, ‘Dimitri, we must produce the film,” Coats remembers. This moment gave me goosebumps and sent shivers down my spine, indicating how deeply important this project was to both of us.”

Once they finished making the album, funding for the movie came through. With Circle Jerks tours taking up most of their time, “Free LSD” started filming in the summer of 2022 at various spots in Los Angeles with a budget under $1 million. A preliminary version of the film was selected as the last film screened at the Slamdance Film Festival the previous year.

Following their last performance at the Los Feliz 3 on August 7, Morris will hit the road once again with the Circle Jerks. They are currently working on a new album together. Furthermore, there are potential upcoming projects with FLAG, which includes Chuck Dukowski, Dez Cadena, Bill Stevenson (of Descendents), and Stephen Egerton.

Coats has gained valuable experience in creating and funding independent films and intends to produce more. Alongside seasoned filmmaker Kurt Kittleson, they are establishing a film production company. Simultaneously, Coats is looking forward to quieting down and recording a solo acoustic album.

Coats expresses a strong affinity for singer-songwriters who strum sadly on acoustic guitars.

Morris looks at him and remarks, “I see you’ll be staying home and moping to your melancholic tunes. Just try not to become a downcast person.”

If there’s any ambiguity about the conclusion of Off!, they maintain that this decision brings a sense of true fulfillment regarding their achievements during their last performance.

Coats expressed his feelings by saying, “I think it’s right for us to part ways now. There are more important things for all of us to focus on.” He further added, “For me personally, I long for the simple friendship we once shared. That has always held great value for me.”

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2024-07-26 14:07