Punks have always been the misfits and outcasts of society screaming for change, so it’s no surprise that in 2016 some of the best punk bands are writing about gender, race, and sexual identity. Brooklyn’s Aye Nako tackle these issues on their latest EP The Blackest Eye through the pop punk lens, which has been long dominated by white males. Released on Don Giovanni Records, the four-piece’s new EP features subtly catchy punk songs while addressing deeply personal and important themes about society’s views on the LGBTQ community, sexaul abuse, and the white dominated society. Instrumentally, the band pulls from 90’s grunge and lo-fi acts such as Sebadoh, making use of off kilter melodies on the track “Kill Switch” and “Human Shield” to create a jumbled disorienting effect while still employing melodic hooks. Aye Nako will be playing Market Hotel on September 15th, and will be appearing at the New Alternative Music Festival in Asbury, NJ on September 16th! – John Honan
