The Postal creed states that “Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Gloom Of Night” will keep the Postal Service from doing their job. Well I don’t know how true that is… but I do know the people of Altercation Records must stick to the same creed, because the rain that hit Austin, Texas last Saturday didn’t seem to slow down their annual ALTERCATION PUNK ROCK BBQ one bit. Nor did it keep some 600 punks from showing up to watch a dozen or so kick ass bands bring the punk to possibly the most celebrated outlaw punk rock showcase in Austin during SXSW.
Every year the Punk Rock BBQ impresses me and this year was no exception. Free admission for all ages, free beer and free food (while it lasts) coupled with stellar performances by amazing bands is an awesome recipe for a great afternoon, and the folks at Altercation Records know how to throw a party.
This years line up started with an affectionate punch in the face by DC Hardcore band Walk the Plank who were followed by The Grizzly Band out of Houston TX who do a country laced punk thing that is top notch, keep an eye out for this band as I expect you will be hearing of them again sometime in the future. Next on the bill was another Texas band out of Corpus Christi, The Avenue Rockers, who got the BBQ rocking with a Punk/Ska set that was undeniably fun, then came a rather surprising set by a new band called The Obvious who at first appeared to me to get ready to do some sort of Indy/Hipster stuff, but about halfway through their first song the front gal Angie Sugrim ripped into a fit of rage and I could tell why they were part of this line up (note: never judge a book by it’s cover or it’s pretty front woman in a polka dot dress)…Next to take the stage was an all out Country band called The Beaumonts complete with heavily embroidered cowboy outfits and big hats, these boy’s did traditional country music, the twist was the lyrics, with words like “If You Don’t Love Jesus You’re Fucked” and “Let’s Fuck Until Something Better Comes Along” they also fit the bill for this day of punk mayhem.
One of my favorite acts who I fell in love with two years ago at this very same event American Pinup returned to deliver up some of their Punk/Ska/Rockbilly tinged songs and were absolutely wonderful. After American Pinup came a high energy punk & roll act called The Sharp Lads out of Brooklyn NY who shook the place with their set and brought the energy level almost to peak when New Red Scare took the stage and front man Billy Gwynn worked the crowd in to a fevered frenzy with his on & off stage antics. Next up was probably the most intense band I have ever seen, the Svetlanas a punk/hardcore band out of Russia whose front woman Olga mesmerized the crowd with her deadpan stare that could cut through a Sherman tank like a hot knife through butter. This amazing band was followed by Fishbone‘s Angelo Moore’s new band The Brand New Step, who combined a fun reggae based set with Moore’s theatrics, forcing the crowd to dance with abandon. Rising star pop punkers, Lost in Society delivered an absolutely awesome set raising the bar for the last band of the day The Riverboat Gamblers who most certainly rose to the occasion. Bringing yet another amazing set to this already amazing show, and finishing up the BBQ like the cherry on top of the most tasty punk rock Sunday you ever tasted.
Big thanks to the Altercation crew for putting together one of my favorite shows of the year, and the best punk show at SXSW bar none, for the free beer and for the new bands…Where do you find them? Can’t wait till next year! Check out our photo gallery below.