Punk Rock Saturday!
Turn it up.
Distortion first, everything else later.
Punk Rock Saturday starts now.
Photo by Allie Carey
Annie Dukes – “no one to claim”
Out of Jacksonville, FL, femme rocker trio Annie Dukes arrive with “no one to claim,” a riff-heavy ode to women's empowerment. When we heard Annie Dukes described as Black Sabbath meets Fleetwood Mac, we knew we would be writing about this track before we even pressed play. A marvelously gritty bass line churns out the foundation, while vocally, this glorious beast of a number sounds as if it's been forged in the fires of L7. That same energy carries over into the guitar tone, where a thick and warm overdrive joins forces with building-code-violating drums to create something that deserves to be blasted from every stereo on Earth simultaneously. For a track that confidently leans into its punk rock DNA, the dynamics on display across the middle eight push into a more deliberate, technically crafted approach to songwriting. And when you add in the three-part harmonies and stop-starts in the refrain, it becomes more than clear how much it would tear apart a live setting. Connect with the band: Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | Bandcamp | Website
Lurcher – Bad Gag
From Hartlepool, England, Lurcher have just released their second EP Bad Gag. This five-song fistful of noise-soaked greatness includes the hard-hitting single “Punchline Blues,” a track whose maniacally simmering verse ultimately builds into a fire-and-brimstone chorus that tears straight through your earholes. At just under two minutes, your morning commute should allow for multiple spins—perfect for the days you forget your second cup of coffee. This is the shortest song on the EP, so use it as a quick snack before feasting upon the bass line that opens track 2. “Wretched Egg” is an upbeat jaunt that momentarily eases off the distortion pedals and applies some tube saturation to the vocal performance. It is here where Lurcher’s post-hardcore tendencies start to shine, leaning into a more dynamic and expansive sound. “Blistered In Turkey” pushes this immersive envelope even further, showcasing the raw, unapologetic nature of the band, as well as the tightness of the rhythm section. “Ortenburg” makes it very clear that Lurcher are more than just a punk band — while the ingredients are there, the resulting sound is far more layered and abstract, marking a maturity that is disciplined and intentional. Finally, closing Bad Gag is “Quad Biking,” a bouncy romp through high-fiving mofo territory that ends in an explosive celebration of chaos and zero regard for personal space. Connect with Lurcher: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok
Bad Nasty – “Overdose”
Keeping the spirit of street punk alive, Switzerland’s Bad Nasty have recently released their rendition of “Overdose,” originally recorded and released by The Partisans. And while the 1983 version is more than capable of getting the job done, Bad Nasty harness the flames of nostalgia and combine them with a renewed sonic flare for a scorching overhaul. From verses that boast the six-string power of D.R.I. to massive gang vocals that fill out the refrains, they breathe new life into a classic without fucking it up through modern production tricks — it sounds as if they unloaded their gear in your living room and tore through the song at full volume. Connect with Bad Nasty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp
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Until next time, stay hydrated, quit smoking, and silence is never on the guest list.
Further reading: The First Punk Rock Saturday!, Punk Rock Saturday 2, Punk Rock Saturday 3, Punk Rock Saturday 4, Punk Rock Saturday 5, Punk Rock Saturday NYE, Punk Rock Saturday 7, Punk Rock Saturday 8, Punk Rock Saturday 9, Punk Rock Saturday 10, Punk Rock Saturday 11, Punk Rock Saturday 12,
-O.Meaney