Watch Another State of Mind

Another State of Mind is a documentary film from 1984 directed by Adam Small and Peter Stuart. The film documents the cross-country tour of two Southern Californian punk rock bands, Social Distortion and Youth Brigade, as they drive from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. for a performance. Along the way, they encounter and play with various other punk rock bands.

The film starts with footage of Social Distortion and Youth Brigade playing a show in a small club in Long Beach, California. The young and energetic crowd is clearly enthralled by their performance, and the filmmakers capture the raw power and energy of their music. The tour, which is being organized and documented by Shawn Stern of Youth Brigade, is then introduced. The bands have rented a school bus to transport themselves and their equipment across the country, and they plan to play shows in various cities along the way.

As they embark on their journey, the film explores the punk rock scene of the early 1980s. Interviews with the band members and other participants in the scene reveal the ethos behind the music and the subculture that has grown around it. The film also shows footage of other punk rock bands from around the country, giving viewers a glimpse into the diversity of the punk rock scene at the time.

As the bands travel across the country, they encounter various challenges. Their bus breaks down, they struggle to find places to stay, and they face opposition from local authorities who disapprove of their music and attitudes. The film also touches on the personal lives of the band members, showing how their relationships and personal struggles intersect with their music and their involvement in the punk rock scene.

Despite the challenges they face, the bands are determined to continue their tour and to spread their message through their music. The film builds towards the climax of the tour, which is a performance in Washington D.C. where Social Distortion and Youth Brigade share the stage with other punk rock bands. The energy and excitement of the crowd is palpable as the bands deliver their blistering performances.

Another State of Mind is a powerful portrayal of the punk rock scene of the 1980s, capturing the rebellious spirit of the music and the subculture that grew around it. The filmmakers do an excellent job of immersing viewers in the tour experience, giving them a sense of what it was like to be a part of this vibrant and sometimes turbulent world. The film also touches on larger themes, such as the search for identity and the desire for meaning that drives many young people to embrace punk rock as a way of life.

Overall, Another State of Mind is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the punk rock scene of the 1980s or in the history of youth culture more broadly. Its raw energy and honest portrayal of the people involved in the scene make it a compelling and engaging film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.