so you’re finally going to your first punk show. it can be a little intimating for sure! here is what i tell my newbie friends when i take them to their first show:
1. take it at your own pace. start the show at the back of the crowd, if you’re vibing and feel the need to jump around get closer to the mosh
2. the mosh is a lot less scary than it looks. it really is a bunch of people just wanting to move around. There are times where it can get violent. if you feel overwhelmed at all just push (don’t feel bad, you might even need to shove a little, nobody will care) your way through the crowd that is encircling the mosh.
3. if you see someone on the ground in a mosh, PICK THEM UP!!!! not only to keep them safe but for your own safety as well, moshing can get a little disorienting (especially if you are drinking or smoking) so you might not even see them. along with this if you see someone’s personal item, try your best to pick it up and hold it in the air. Essentially, if something or someone could get damaged, help them out.
4. a lot of the people there look really intimidating and cool. yes they are cool as fuck, but they are some of the nicest people on this earth right now. Talk to a stranger. some of the kindest people i’ve met and become friends with i met at shows.
5. don’t be afraid to be yourself. don’t feel like you match the “punk aesthetic” you see on tumblr tiktok and pinterest? who give a fuck!! the most punk think you can do is be yourself. if you fake who you are people will notice.
Fire Drill capturing old-school punk aesthetics with its debut EP, Pterodactyl
Hailing from San Jose, California, Fire Drill is a four-piece punk band formed during the pandemic. Their debut EP, "Pterodactyl," dropped in June 2023, showcasing a raw, unapologetic sound reminiscent of 80s punk legends like Bad Religion and Dead Kennedys, but with a more melodic touch.
Despite their nod to punk's golden eras, the band avoids falling into the trap of nostalgia, infusing fresh immediacy into their music. The EP offers about 25 minutes of music, ranging from 80s hardcore outburst, to 90s melodic punk. There’s even room for a song under a minute, a nice tip of the hat to bands such as the Descendents!
Fire Drill’s sound totally emphasizes substance over style, steering clear of the overproduced trends in modern punk that’s making the genre feel way too slick and manufactured. By contrast, the band’s vitriolic guitar tones and roaring rhythm section match the lyrics, which range from matter-of-fact stories about depression, trauma and struggle, to light-hearted songs with a more ironic twist.
Find out more about this California punk rock band, and check out Fire Drill’s music via Spotify or Bandcamp. You can also check out the band's official website!