This past weekend, Hanoi’s Cut Lon had their record release here in Saigon at Soma Art Cafe. This was a classic example of hearing a band and then seeing them being a bit…different. Clad in Pikachu costumes, Cut Lon got on stage and absolutely shredded. Think youth crew meets thrash - circle pits, sing alongs, and stage dives. Yeah, a bit of cognitive dissonance with the whole Pikachu shtick, but one of the things I love about the scene here is the complete lack of elitism that plagues so many scenes in the States. Kids having fun and saying something while they do it… how can you not love it? So bring on the Pickachu.

Local anchors District 105 and 7 Uppercuts, as usual, had insanely energetic sets with District 105 bringing the breakdowns and 7 uppercuts the pop punk fun times. Newcomers Pick Supplier had their first show ever opening up the evening and had a guest spot from former singer of Knife Sticking Head covering one of their songs. Circle Pits and rad singalongs ensued. Give these kids a bit of time and everything will tighten up for some fun moshy fingerpointing goodness. American punk outfit, The Dumpies, followed it up with a bit of beer spraying shirtless shenanigans. Think a bit like Jawbreaker, the Pist, and throw in some Frank Black in the mix for good measure. All in all, a really fun night despite the aircon shitting the bed turning the venue into a sauna. That said, it felt a bit nostalgic to sweat your ass off at a show considering every show I’ve been to in Vietnam has been well climate controlled.