The best part
of SXSW is new discoveries, and Something Fierce is a
perfect example of that. I saw them perform before Mind
Spiders at the Dirtnap Records SXSW Showcase and was
immediately impressed. After a song and half I was asking
everyone around me who the bands was and where they were
from. I even sought out their publicist after the show to
learn more about the group and ensure I got a copy of their
excellent new record, Don’t Be So Cruel.
The band hails from Houston and has been together since
2005. Steven Garcia is the guitarists/lead vocalist, Niki
Seven (great name for a punk rocker) plays bass while Andrew
Keith is on drums. The group draws much of its musical
influence from late 70’s English punk. Listen to them and
you’re sure to hear elements of The Buzzcocks, The Jam, and
Wire. Even though they’re a punk band, their name is a bit
of a misnomer. Their live show is intense but ferocity isn’t
a hallmark of the group. Well, at least on this record.
Don’t Be So Cruel is a slick and astute collection of
songs that shows a maturity often lacking in punk music.
This isn’t angry punk or some goofy sophomoric power pop
shit. The album is smart, thoughtful, and at times
political. It largely reminds me of a nuanced and refined
version of The Clash, most notably on songs like What We
Need Now and Before You Raised The Gun. You also
hear the ghosts of Strummer and Jones on the incredibly
infectious Future Punks and you can’t help but think
of Rock the Casbah when listening to Afghani
Sands.
The band is in the middle of a West Coast tour and I’m
hopeful they’ll plan another show in Austin soon. Seeing
them crank out their jams at Beerland would be the perfect
way to spend a hot summer night.
:Something
Fierce - Empty Screens:
:Something
Fierce - Afghani Sands:
:Something
Fierce - Future Punks:
- Dan Corbin -
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