Post #486945 by JOHN-O on Wed, Oct 7, 2009 5:29 PM

Here's a new topic that I wanted to have a little fun with. Middle-aged ex-Punks will understand (and I know there's a lot of you out there.) Others may be confused.

You're probably saying "JOHN-O what the heck are you talking about?"

Let me make an analogy. By the mid-1980's, Hardcore Punk Rock had adopted a very regimented formula in terms of dress as well as sound. Shaved head - check, Doc Martin boots - check, knucklehead attitude - check, cookie-cutter fast/thick/heavy sound - check. Dude, you're Hardcore Punk.

Now Black Flag was one of the original Hardcore bands that arguably set this blueprint. They were however, intelligent and artistically ambitious enough to want to move beyond it. Their core audience though, wanted a look and sound that was stuck in 1981 (i.e. the album "Damaged"). In fact, their core audience was exhibiting the same "jock" behaviour that Punk was supposed to be the anthesis of.

So what did Black Flag do? In terms of look, they grew their hair out like the despised hippies. In terms of sound, they slowed it down and incorporated more of a metal cross-over. This was later recognized as a major influence on the Seattle Grunge movement that spawned bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

But how did Black Flag's core fans respond at the time? Not knowing what to make of this, they all flipped out when their preconceived notions of Punk style and sound were turned upside down. And when I say flipped out, I mean they reacted violently.

Now let me make a comparison to Tiki culture iconography (and I mean popular culture's, not necessarily Sven's). Classic Mai Tai - check, Aloha shirt - check, Martin Denny - check, Black velvet paintings - check, Tiki Mugs - check, Tikis carvings - check. Dude, you're an authentic Tiki-phile.

Now a guy like Martiki has major Tiki street cred. He was a key architect of Forbidden Island which was probably the most perfect realization of neo-Tiki to date. But what's his next project about? Based on what's been revealed so far, it's not just Tiki but will also incorporate a significant Caribbean influence. Will this include iconography like pirates and stuffed parrots as well as music like reggae and calypso? Will this also include untapped elements like Havana and Latin style and maybe even Voodoo? I'm really eager to see.

This might be the beginning of a style that evolves Tiki past it's current mid-century anchor, and introduces a pop culture fusion that incorporates the best of all worlds (or it may just be a really cool bar.)

So how will Tiki Central react to all of this? (besides enjoying the excellent cocktails) I'm not sure but I'm looking forward to watching the discussion.

I submit to you that Martin may very well be Tiki's own Henry Rollins (and that's a good thing.) :)

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2009-10-07 22:57 ]