The Descendents, a band that helped pioneer Southern California’s melodic hardcore sound, introduced frenetic power and catchy singalong choruses to San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre on Saturday evening.
The group surged to the entrance because the band tore by way of a set of classics together with “I Don’t Wanna Develop Up,” “Foolish Woman,” “Good, Good Issues,” “Bikeage,” “I’m the One” and extra.
Regardless of the catchiness of the tunes, the pit was downright perilous. The group crushed and squeezed with extra depth than essentially the most ferocious hardcore present. To bastardize the meme adage, if the frontman seems to be like Milo, you’re going to die on this pit.
Headbangers and crowsurfers spanned generations, proving the evergreen nature of songs about teen angst almost 50 years after the band’s formation.
“We’ll make some music to entertain while bombs are exploding in fucking Iran,” Milo Aukerman stated shortly earlier than launching into opening monitor “Every little thing Sux.”
Guitarist Stephen Egerton delivered with trademark technical proficiency and uncooked power whereas carrying a shirt repping Night time Birds, an acclaimed hardcore band out of New Jersey energetic within the early 2000s. I keep in mind seeing Night time Birds at CBGBs earlier than the venue obtained become a T-shirt retailer. Very similar to the California-grown Descendents, they incorporate surf rock into their sound.
Yet one more group influenced by the Descendents sound, British opener Frank Turner and his band the Sleeping Souls opened the present with a mix of folks, punk and pop.
This opener was a departure from earlier opening acts, such because the Circle Jerks, who shared the stage with the Descendents and Adolescents at San Antonio at Vibes Underground in March 2024. Relatively than leaning into their grittier punk bona fides, Saturday’s selection of opener leaned into the Descendents’ softer aspect.
The Descendents did, in spite of everything, assist to spawn a whole style of pop punks and emo children. And just like the Descendents monitor goes, “I’m not a punk, how can I be?”
Many descriptors got here to thoughts whereas watching Frank Turner, akin to “youth pastor music,” “prescription drug business” and a toothless Pogues — let’s name them the Fauxges. However one descriptor that didn’t come to thoughts was “punk.”
Really, I’ve by no means heard a much less punk present name itself a punk present extra all through a set. Turner swore greater than the typical punk frontman, however even that appeared pressured. Are you carrying a wire?
“I do know that traditionally the acoustic guitar is an instrument that has been used for excellent evil, however tonight we’re going to make use of it for punk rock,” Turner stated, earlier than utilizing the acoustic precisely the best way each different “acoustic guitar man” has used it in each espresso store for the reason that daybreak of time.
As an alternative of a wall of dying, he led the group in a “wall of hugs,” to additional underscore my level.
However I used to be outnumbered in my lack of enthusiasm. The group sang alongside and Turner introduced limitless power and allure, calling the group his “pals,” talking out in solidarity with Minneapolis and charging us in tune to “be extra form.” Possibly I might use the lesson.
Pictures by Jaime Monzon.
