Continuing our cheeky forays into the vast world of regional punk rock, this time around we'll look alphabetically at pioneering outfits hailing from Hawaii through Maryland. While this listing is in no way a "complete" and/or authoritative project on the subject matter, it will help you delve deeper into the genre of punk-rock.
Dear reader, we love to discover new music as much as the next guy, so allow us to help you embark on musical journeys of your own with part two of our state-by-state punk band breakdown.
See also: Top Fifty Region Punk Bands Part One: Alabama - Georgia, an Incomplete List
Hawaii
The Squids - "Tourist Riot"
You'd think that with the throngs of annoying tourists circulating around Hawaii's shores, there would be a lot more dissension amongst the natives. While not ripe with punk rock sounds per se, Hawaii's the Squids are an early example of progressive punk. There's enough Germs and Devo in this track to keep anyone happy.
Idaho
Septic Death - "Thaw"
I want you to think of Pushead and Septic Death the next time you scarf down on a potato. Brian Schroeder went on to become the guy behind some iconic album covers, T-shirt designs and even a pair of Nike Dunks sneakers. And they say the youth in the '80s was wasted.
Illinois
Articles of Faith - "Bad Attitude"
Articles of Faith defined Chicago's hardcore scene. Vocalist and musical director Vic Bondi has gone on to a varied career in academics and software design, proving yet again, the kids in the '80s were not lost.
See also: Top Twenty Proto-Punk Bands: An Incomplete List
Indiana
Zero Boys - "Amphetamine Addiction"
The Midwest's powerhouse punk rock can be best seen in the sheer energy and youthful socio-political leanings of Indianapolis' Zero Boys. Active from the late '70s through the early '90s, these songs are still fun today!
Iowa
The Dogs - "Teen Slime"
Iowa's The Dogs certainly sound like they should've been bigger. Thick and chuggish in a good rock and roll way, this proto-punk three piece was fronted by Jody Koenig who went on to enjoy more releases during the '70s and '80s. A newer discovery to me, this is a band I'll be tracking down!
Kansas
Mortal Micronotz - "You Don't Say"
These "teens" have been rattling the old bones up in Lawrence since 1981. Alternatively known as Mortal Micronotz or just plain Micronotz, these microyeahs helped define the punk rock scene in Kansas with a decidedly DIY attitude.
Kentucky
Babylon Dance Band - "The Remains of the Beat"
The Babylon Dance Band came out of Louisville's art scene and not from the Louisville Slugger's factory as some are prone to think. This garage punk racket used wood of a different kind to get its point across the fence. Still active in one shape or another or under a different name, these early tracks are worth checking out.
Louisiana
The Shitdogs - "Reborn"
There were plenty of bands to pick from out of Louisiana, but I couldn't help myself with the righteous punk and roll of New Orleans' Shitdogs. Moniker aside, these pranksters also claimed inside knowledge on the history of cheese. I freaking love cheese!
Maine
The Stains - "Feel Guilty/Give Ireland Back to the Snakes"
I thought I'd be cute and put in the Ramones' "Pet Sematary" as a nod to Stephen King, but that would be bad sportsmanship on my behalf and a snub to the good folks in the Stains who've had the decency of bringing rock and roll energy to the state of Maine.
Maryland
Trixy and the Testones - "Then She Kissed Me"
Only a punk rock band from John Waters' hometown can make a short but fun career of flipping and fucking '50s and '60s standards. Certainly more on the experimental/artsy tip, Trixy and the Testones would be a lot of fun to see hammering today's nostalgia bits. I think the Crystals would be okay with this rendition.
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