Whereas the polar opposite subgenres of liberty-spiked street punk (Lower Class Brats, Krum Bums) and nervy post-punk (Spray Paint, Institute) have largely defined the narrative of Austin’s youth rebellion this century, a new crop of DIY bands – markedly anti-commercial, anti-macho, and employing instrumentally unencumbered singers – have coalesced into one of the city’s most vibrant scenes. This weekend’s I Hate I Skate gathering showcases precisely that.: Packing 25 young heavies over three days – the first two at Barracuda and the third across the highway at Hotel Vegas – festivities kick off Friday afternoon with a renegade skateboard race down South Congress from Live Oak Street to just past Riverside Drive. Next, the toughs pile into Barracuda for a seven-act hometown bill highlighted by two groups imbuing strong female perspectives on the scene: razor-sharp hardcore endeavor Body Pressure, fronted by one-time Hatred Surge screamer Faiza Kracheni, and cathartic punks Sass, led by the raw and righteous Rachael Chaney. Other muscle on the bill: Breakout’s oi!/anarcho hybrid, anti-hardcore confrontation junkies Witewash, and punk/metal mutilators Skeleton, whose vocalist Victor Ziolkowski presents the fest.: Day two expands I Hate I Skate’s regional look with Integrity-style Missouri roarers Crusade, punishing Houston hardcore act Skourge, and Birmingham D-beat-influenced quartet Heavy User. Austin reps with Enemy One, a breakdown-heavy crew with all-star membership.
Feb. 16-17, 6pm