Scenesters: Music, Mayhem & Melrose Ave. 1985-1990

Scenesters: Music, Mayhem & Melrose Ave. 1985-1990 is a music documentary released in 2017 which thoroughly explores the Los Angeles music and club scene during the period from 1985 to 1990. It is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts and scholars of cultural shift, directed adroitly by Clinton B. Hodge.

The documentary focuses unflinchingly on the vibrant and eclectic music scene that defined Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles during the second half of the 1980s. Bernie Bernstein, Iris Berry, and Don Bolles, renowned figures in this scene, take the helm as the film's primary interviewees. Their firsthand accounts, paired with a wide collection of archived footage, offer viewers a unique passport to this era of unrestrained creative energy and subcultural exploration.

Bernie Bernstein formed an integral part of the 1980s printer industry and was well-known within the scene. His significant influence on LA's subcultures and the raw energy of the times is a recurrent theme throughout the documentary. Iris Berry, a punk poet and musician, provides the film with its raw narrative voice. Her edgy prose and intimate understanding of the Melrose scene guide us through a transformative era of music and culture. Lastly, Don Bolles, the drummer for the punk rock band The Germs, brings his vast music knowledge and charismatic storytelling into the film, adding depth and perspective to this cultural canvas.

In Scenesters: Music, Mayhem & Melrose Ave. 1985-1990, the Avenue signifies more than just a location. It was the pulse of a cultural and artistic revolution fueled by punk rock, and later, shock rock and heavy metal music. The film paints an incredible picture of how the energy of this music scene spilled over into fashion, art, and popular culture — amplifying LA's role as a global trendsetter.

Amongst the film's bounty are never-seen-before concert performances, historical timelines interspersed with invaluable backstage moments, and interviews with the key players who immortalized this era. Witnessing the highs and lows of the music scene during this volatile and transformative period is seductive, providing a lush backdrop against which the street's incredible stories play out.

Scenesters is a testament to the impact and primal urge of cultural revolution. The film skillly captures the essence of a time when music, fashion, and lifestyle combined to create something entirely new and subversively alluring. It is an important capture of a transformative time in music history documented not just through the eyes of the singers, bands, and songwriters but also the fans, artists, shopkeepers, and gear hangers of the Melrose Avenue scene.

Though the film is deeply nostalgic, it doesn't shy away from exploring the darker sides of the period, including the scene's tensions with law enforcement, substance problems that permeated the culture, and the inevitable conflicts born of unchecked creative expression.

Yet, the narrative always circles back to the music that was the lifeblood of the Melrose scene. Whether it was the structured chaos of punk, the passionate rebelliousness of rock, or the dark allure of heavy metal, the documentary showcases how each genre left its indelible mark on Melrose Avenue.

Descriptions of iconic clubs like the Raji's, Coconut Teaszer, and the Roxy Theatre amp up the nostalgic value. At the same time, lesser-known but equally instrumental venues get their due exposure, contributing to a comprehensive panorama of the Avenue scene.

Hodge's expert direction shines brightly through the film's balanced portrayal of the time. Without overt judgment or glamorized misrepresentation, Scenesters offers a candid snapshot of a culturally transformative period. The carefully curated archival footage, original scores, and insightful interviews create an immersive viewing experience that takes us back to the days when Melrose was awash with the sound of music and endless possibilities.

Scenesters: Music, Mayhem & Melrose Ave. 1985-1990 is a deep dive into a specific moment in music history. It is a nostalgia-laden and potent love letter to the cultural dynamism of the '80s Melrose Avenue scene. With its deeply human storytelling and unrivaled access to the pivot points of that era, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone passionate about music history and cultural shifts.