Reaper PunX | Music Review
Pierce County’s one true punk band, Reaper Punx, has been together since 2022. Lead singer Chris Claudill stated, “We are a bunch of great guys that like to play music.” Now, before giving you my review, Let’s Talk About the Music of punk. Where did punk come from? And what is punk, exactly?
A Very Small Brief History of Punk
Punk’s raw energy, simple structures, and confrontational music are rooted in garage rock, protopunk, and the DIY ethos. Punk music first emerged in the mid-1970s. MC5, the Stooges, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols are the forefathers of punk. What makes this music different from other genres is the emphasis on a stripped-down, aggressive sound and challenging societal norms.
Punk had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing not only music but fashion, art, and politics. Today it continues to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians as a powerful form of expression and rebellion.
Reaper Punx
Reaper Punx is following their forefathers’ musical footprints while adding their dashes of individuality: the smoldering eyes and dark sorcery of guitarist Andy McDowell; a hint of venomous serpents in the enfolding rhythm woven by bassist Lane Hensley; the growling voice of “Hell’s own emissary” from lead singer Chris Claudill; and locking in the time, the powerful magic of drummer Bryan Bach. Mix these four together and you get a musical cyclone that sweeps you right off your feet.… I can testify to it!
Live Show Vibes
I got the chance to see them perform live in El Corazon, a music venue in Seattle, WA. Normally it is a bar that serves people over 21, but this “punk night” was open for all ages. There was a section reserved for those desiring alcoholic beverages, but the drinks were not allowed to leave that area.
However, once Reaper Punx went on stage, I slammed my apple cider beer in time to get blown away by Reaper Punx’s enormous energy and growling music. I found myself dancing a few times and headbanging to other songs. The crowd loved them as a mosh pit formed at the edge of the stage. I was incredibly impressed with Reaper Punx, and I even texted a friend who books bands to look out for these guys because they are phenomenal!
See below for that night’s setlist. You can also find them at the side of this review, including photos of the band and links to all their social media.