originally published: 05/28/2023
Photo by Casey Pinckard
Santa Barbara, CA's Versus The World have released their Cameron Webb-produced album “The Bastards Live Forever” via SBÄM Records. A post-punk unit from Santa Barbara, California featuring members of Lagwagon and Good Riddance, Versus the World issued its eponymous debut album in 2005 on Kung Fu Records. Drawing from their dense pedigree the band blends elements of pop-punk, melodic post-hardcore and troubadour-style vocals by founding frontman Donald Spence.
You can stream the album online here.
Of the album, singer Donald Spence says, "I can’t tell you how much work went into this collection of songs. I’d always been taught that if what you were working on wasn’t (what you thought) was your best... start over. Never put anything into the world that you were not absolutely sure of."
"The Bastards Live Forever" consists of 11 songs crafted to perfection. VTW's unique style of melodic post-punk elevates every member's skill from their other projects including Chris Flippin of Lagwagon. Obviously, Versus The World is not all about musical craft but you can hear a passion and an urge to scream out deeply rooted feelings in every syllable throughout the record.
Versus the World has toured extensively worldwide on subsequent releases Drink.Sing.Live.Love (2012) and Homesick/Roadsick (2015) in support of bands such as No Use for a Name, The Ataris, Lagwagon and MxPx. In 2021 the band teamed up with producer Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Megadeth) to make 'The Bastards Live Forever' which is due out in May 2023 on SBÄM Records.
West Coast Shows:
June 16 - Long Beach @ Supply and Demand w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death
June 17 - Los Angeles @ Permanent Records Roadhouse w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death
July 7 - Portland @ Dante’s w/ Diesel Boy
July 8 - Seattle @ El Corazon w/ Diesel Boy
Versus The World will be on tour in Europe this summer.
28.07. Berlin @ Wild At Heart
29.07. Hohenstaufen @ Vert Rock w/ Urethane
30.07. tbc
01.08. Erfurt @ Tiko w/ Urethane
02.08. Brussels @ Le Lac
03.08. Wermelskirchen @ AJZ w/ Authority Zero & Cigar
04.08. tbc
05.08. Duffel, B @ Brakrock
06.08. Düsseldorf, D @ Pitcher w/ Diesel Boy
08.08. Stuttgart @ Im Wizemann w/ Pennywise
09.08. Vienna, AUT @ Rhiz w/ Diesel Boy
10.08. Tolmin, SLO @ Punkrock Holiday
11.08. Bologna, ITA @ Freakout Club
12.08. Rimini, ITA @ Bayfest
COLUMNS
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 1/19/26
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Tiny Cities, The Melancholy Kings, Jay Ingstrup, Bamberdost, furiousBall, Evil6, Steam Enginess, Jason Didner and the Drive, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Bruce Tunkel. Plus a look back at "M.L. King" by Jon Caspi.
MORE NEWS
Middletown Arts Center presents the MAC Music Café: Under the Western Sky
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents the MAC Music Café: Under the Western Sky on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Saddle up for a great night of music featuring Shotgun Bill Anania, Rick Dill, and Christian Beach. The event is FREE (with a suggested donation of $5).
The Band Perry LIVE! at bergenPAC
Helen O'Shea Shares Rendition of "Lost" by The Cranberries, Honouring Dolores O'Riordan
BBD Rhythm & Blues Band are 'Keeping the Blues Alive'
An Interview with Zalerno about "Mythic Romance"
UPCOMING SHOWS
Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.
The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin come to the Scottish Rite Auditorium
Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona at State Theatre on January 23rd
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents the Matt O'Ree Band on January 23rd
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
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