Definitely not related to anything currently happening in Australia and globally, Team Blunt is here with five anti-fascist punk and punk-inspired band recommendations to spin this week.
It’s just a normal Tuesday in Australia, and there’s definitely not been rumblings of far-right protests or marches through the likes of Melbourne’s CBD in the last week. It’s also coincidentally a great Tuesday to put on some old and new anti-fascist punk and punk-inspired bands from around the world that are (or have) used their music to make political commentary about injustice, inequality, and other issues facing people globally.
Here at Team Blunt, we’ve rounded up just a small handful of punk (and punk adjacent) acts to listen to – and it’s by no means exhaustive, given how far and wide a genre with such a rich history spreads.
Let’s get into it.
Dead Kennedys
Formed in San Francisco in 1978, Dead Kennedys became one of the most important voices in the American hardcore punk scene. Their catalogue is littered with anti-authoritarian anthems, but 1981’s ‘Nazi Punks,Fuck Off’ remains the definitive punk takedown of the far right. Songs like ‘Holiday in Cambodia’ and ‘California Über Alles’ mocked political hypocrisy, consumerism and authoritarianism long before such critiques went mainstream, cementing the band’s status as enduring symbols of punk resistance.
Propagandhi
Since emerging from Canada in the ’80s, Propagandhi have pushed beyond skate-thrash roots into technically complex, politically uncompromising territory. From declaring their pro-feminist, pro-LGBTQ+ stance on 1996’s Less Talk, More Rock to their most recent album At Peace, the band has consistently called out fascism, nationalism and war. Tracks like 2001’s ‘Fuck The Border’ still speak to political issues over two decades later, while their activism offstage – benefit shows, public statements, and direct support for anti-fascist causes – has made them one of punk’s most steadfast political voices.
Penadas por La Ley
Formed in Argentina in 1993 and later relocating to Bilbao, Spain, Penadas por La Ley have spent three decades delivering fast, melodic punk with an explicitly feminist and anti-fascist message. Their lyrics tackle political and social injustices they’ve personally experienced including state repression, making them a vital voice in the Spanish-speaking punk scene. Their longevity has made them a touchstone for younger political punk bands across Latin America and Europe.
Last Quokka
Australia’s own Last Quokka have made a name for themselves by combining raw, high-energy punk with sharp political critique. Known for their unfiltered commentary on issues like racism, nationalism and inequality, their songs pull no punches when addressing the Australian far right. Tracks such as ‘Eat the Rich’ and ‘Cost of Living’ take aim at the current economic crisis and growing disparity between classes (as well as the loss of working class spaces like the local pub), while the song ‘Colony’ comments on Australian colonialism and the impacts it continues to have to this day.
Fever 333
California trio Fever 333 blend punk, hardcore and hip-hop into a confrontational sound that refuses to separate music from activism. Since their 2017 debut EP Made An America, they’ve used their platform to speak out against systemic racism, police brutality and white supremacy. Tracks like ‘Supremacy’ and ‘Made An America’ connect the dots between historical and modern oppression, while the band’s community outreach programs and protest performances place them firmly in the tradition of politically engaged punk. They’ll be heading to Australia for Good Things Festival this December if you want to catch them live, too.
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