Austin Punk Scene Takes an Eccentric Turn with Cowpunk Quartet Leche
Today’s guest writer is Brian Hillsman, a huge local music fan and longtime Austin resident. Brian’s penchant for hard-hitting, socially conscious punk led him to submit this piece on Austin cowpunks Leche. Look for his next piece on Borzoi coming soon to The Cosmic Clash
The self-proclaimed “Lords of Shit City” have graced various Austin stages for nearly a decade. With several regional US tours under their belt, the Austin four-piece, Leche has found themselves smack-dab in the middle of the modern Austin punk scene.
Forming the group’s initial cohesive inception at St. Edward’s University, Vik Dogwood and 20 Dollups began as a folk duo in 2009. In 2010, with the addition of two other members, the full band was formed. They broke up in 2011, but resurfaced in 2014, in full swing. Since then, the band has undergone a few lineup changes. With the departure of their original bassist and the addition of YT, the current Leche roster was established.
The cowpunk four-piece performs a heavy-hitting, jovial, and therapeutic set that translates into a fittingly emotive presentation for such seemingly dire times. Dogwood’s on-stage antics transcend modern social-political satire and engage the audience as a personification of catharsis. Dollups (guitar), YT (bass) and Toenail Jones (drums) each compliment one another in a profoundly energetic, sonic exclamation point to Dogwood’s performance. Leche exudes modern-day frustration and dismay in a world that seems to be falling apart around us. The result is an intoxicating hybrid of self-directed jabs of satirical humor and heavy-hitting socioeconomic commentary. The heavy tone may even prompt listeners to overlook the jocular atmosphere of their ongoing burlesque.
Punk music has a revived purpose. With bands such as Parquet Courts, Tacocat, and Sheer Mag ascending in the national spotlight. Leche has discovered a method of conveyance and performance that is unique, reminiscent, and flat-out refreshing. They put on an enjoyable live performance, which borders on an exorcism of repressed tension and frustrations with modern societal norms.
Leche has been busy as of late, releasing their LP, Inhalant Dangers, quickly followed with the their EP, Trickle Down My Ass on local label Digital Hotdogs. You can check out all of their released music music on Digital Hotdogs on Bandcamp. View their latest music video, “That’s My Wife,” above.
Leche unfortunately does not plan to perform in Austin until May 18, at the Texas Roller Girls Derby (TXRD) bout. This will follow shows in Houston April 26 and in New Orleans April 27.
