Don’t no-show The Know’s shows

Longstanding hole-in-the-wall rock ‘n’ roll venue The Know is giving back to Portland this week, saying thank you for seven years of longevity on a street known for its fickle surroundings.

Amidst a tumultuous Alberta Street landscape, one packed with businesses that, on average, have an extremely low lifespan, The Know stands as a proud beacon, and the venue’s seventh anniversary puts many things into perspective. In fact, The Know predates Alberta’s identity itself; no trendy Thai restaurants or frilly boutiques that sell four items at a time have managed to outlive it.

Seven years ago, Alberta wasn’t an “up-and-coming” neighborhood, and The Know stood out in that non-gentrified period, just as it does now. And as brunch places and fancy paper stores have opened and closed around it, The Know remains. But that’s rock ‘n’ roll. Take it or leave it.

Although the anniversary shows began Monday, the best in the series has yet to come. Bands that cut their teeth at the venue, such as Tragedy, From Ashes Rise and Rabbits, are slated to play, rounding out the week’s ongoing festivities.

Friday, Jan. 13 From Ashes Rise, Tragedy, Bi-Marks

Tragedy and From Ashes Rise are two bands that almost need no introduction, especially to lifelong Know-goers. To the uninitiated, Tragedy is a hardcore punk band that was formed from the dissolved His Hero is Gone, arguably one of aggressive music’s most important bands. Today, Tragedy is known for its ferocious live shows and raw energy that is incredibly infectious.

From Ashes Rise released its first record in the ’90s. They, like many bands in punk’s incestuous scene, are composed of several other now-finished bands such as Coldbringer and World Burns to Death.

Tragedy and From Ashes Rise played together many times after the two moved from Tennessee to Portland. Following the punk-rock DIY ethos, many of Tragedy’s shows take place in tiny venues or neighborhood grange halls.

When From Ashes Rise broke up in 2005, the thrash landscape was a darker one. However, From Ashes Rise rose again in 2010 to play at the Satyricon. They’ve been playing out semi-regularly ever since.

Of all the shows this week, this one is likely to be the craziest. Both bands have deep ties to The Know community, and people have been coming out to see both bands at the venue since it opened. Expect seasoned punk vets giving their all.

Saturday, Jan. 14Rabbits, Fist Fite, Nasalrod

Portland’s own Rabbits will be bringing the metal to The Know on Saturday. Recently signed to Relapse Records and having released their debut album with them in 2011, Rabbits plays a style of music best described as “gross metal.” Its music leaves the listener feeling like they’re covered in an inch of grime. Rabbits’ percussion-heavy dirges are muddier and thicker than most, and boy are they loud! If you’d like to find out just how loud it can get, take your chances with these guys.

Sunday, Jan. 15 Trauma, Raw Nerves, Ripper

The final show in The Know’s weeklong series features two bands that truly exemplify the venue. Trauma has been around for quite a while and has been playing at The Know since it began. The band features members of Tragedy.

Raw Nerves, like many other Portland-based punk bands, has taken shows wherever it can get them. From the basements of numerous houses to bookstores to stages at Rotture, and even the Bossanova Ballroom, they’ve played quite the gamut. They’ve also played The Know many times, and on this night they help close out the anniversary celebration.

Ripper is Portland’s very own Motörhead. Usually playing shows at places like Fucketts, Ripper is the opening band, and they are an absolute do-not-miss. Get there early for this one, as The Know will be stretched to bursting capacity.