Pinata Protest Delivers the Punk

San Antonio Tex-Mex punk band Piñata Protest returned to KIVA Lounge in downtown San Marcos this past Saturday night after a near seven month absence, and the crowd's enthusiasm showed. Known for their high energy performances, the band comprised of vocalist/accordionist Alvaro Del Norte, guitarist Regino Lopez, bassist Richie Brown, and drummer Chris-ruptive, blazed through a blistering hour-long set of exito after exito. working up the crowd of devoted "protestors" and never letting down. On the eve of releasing a new album entitled Necio Nights (out April 6) and embarking on a tour on Flogging Molly's Salty Dog Cruise, which will take them through the Caribbean, it is a pure treat seeing the band in smaller settings as you can be more involved in their special brand of norteno punk. Complimented by the ferocity of openers Destroy Orbison, Percocet, The Grim Folks and Sketchy Trench, the package was a non-stop party with a mix of all the punk one could handle. Sweaty crowds moshed, jumped, and sang along to Piñata Protest, even more so when they played iconic Mexican classics like "Volver, Volver" and "Tragos de Amargo Licor", at one point even inviting people onstage to partake in a tequila shot and mosh around. In short, if you enjoy high octane punk and regardless of whether you speak Spanish or not, Piñata Protest shows are one big, loving family and everyone is welcome to come on down.

photo: @mr_peefer

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