Written and Photos by Bang Ho
War of Icaza was the perfect maelstrom of punk, rock, and latinx rap that transformed the Mohawk into a mosh pit of resistance. The music and message electrified everyone in the room with energy, as a circle mosh pit formed. All people of color were in the pit, well aware of their surroundings and being respectful of those not only out of the pit, but in the pit as well.
Throughout the show, the band gave punk encouragements to be the change in the world in these trying times and to look past the every day distractions. Adding to the energy of the music, Jerry (lead vocals) explained how the narrative of punk as a straight white male punk scene is dated, and that we need more women in the punk scene. He explained further that femme energy is the most punk/revolutionary work on the planet –women, WOC, and queer WOC especially. Their battle to live and be who they are is the embodiment of one of the most important forms of resistance, which is the heart and core of punk culture.
If you didn’t get to catch War of Icaza on tour with Prayers, be sure to catch them next time or in their home town of Oakland.
