One of punk’s charms is that most of the greats don’t last – the truly memorable flare up and burn brightly, maybe release a 7-inch, and then vanish just as quickly as they appeared. It’s hard to imagine a band based on aggression and adrenaline shining for much longer than that, but as with anything there are exceptions to any rule.
Warthog is one of NYC’s best offerings with respect to hardcore punk in 2019, and they’re also one of the longest running. Formed nearly a decade ago, Warthog’s first live gig was in 2012 under the name Chain Wallet, releasing d-beat-infused punk with sections built to pit, but with a distinct enough approach that even the most jaded hardcore fan had something to grab onto.
So far, they’ve followed the uber-punk model of no full-lengths, instead releasing a series of incredible 7-inch EPs on labels like Toxic State, Iron Lung, Beach Impediment and Katorga Works (arguably the best domestic labels of hardcore punk in this decade). Their most recent offering, 2018’s self-titled EP, comes from Toxic State, of which the final track is “Brainwasher” — the video for which makes its debut here today (May 10th).
Check out the trippy Robin Pak–directed animated feature, which adds a whole new surreal, out-of-this-world spin to the seething track.
Warthog is readying a new live cassette culled from the band’s January gigs out West in early 2019. Live! was recorded at Zebulon in Los Angeles on January 10th, and features tracks from across said 7-inch, and will be available either in digital form or on cassette via Shout Recordings.
Warthog’s live plans are limited thus far, but you can catch them at the Iron Lung Records–curated festival in NYC, What We Like, going on at Brooklyn Bazaar this Friday (May 10th) through Sunday (May 12th). Warthog will join Toronto punk favorites S.H.I.T., Red Death and others as part of a showcase on Saturday, May 11th. Tickets for the entire weekend are still available.