Vundabar at Mohawk: pure punk and charisma

By Adrian Escareno

Local Music Journalist

Austin’s music scene never fails to deliver, and Vundabar’s show at Mohawk was no exception. Known for their explosive energy and unique blend of punk, indie, and math rock, the Boston-based trio put on a performance that left the crowd buzzing. Paired with a stellar opening act, the night showcased why Mohawk remains one of the best live music venues in the city. 

There’s something special about Mohawk that sets it apart from typical venues. Sure, it has the classic open area in front of the stage where fans can gather, mosh, and crowd-surf, but what makes it unique are the stairs that lead up to open balconies. From up there, you get a bird’s-eye view of the chaos below. The real magic is how close you can get to the band. If you move fast enough, you can get right up next to the band’s shoulders, almost like you’ve got VIP backstage access—but it’s open to everyone. It adds a sense of connection to the performance, making you feel like part of the action. 

The night kicked off with Counting, a band from Liverpool making their U.S. debut. They greeted the crowd with an electric energy that could have been pulled straight from Arctic Monkeys’ early sound. If you can imagine the energy of Slowthai mixed with the Monkeys’ first album, Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not, you’re getting close. They even threw in a cover of FUN’s “Tonight”, which had the crowd bouncing along. For a first tour in the States, they were the perfect introduction to Vundabar’s fanbase, drawing the audience in with their charisma and a hint of British swagger. 

When it was Vundabar’s turn, there was no pretense—just punk rock simplicity. The band set up their own gear like a local band, keeping things personal and down-to-earth. Before they hit the stage, the members huddled together, embracing in a moment that showed their tight-knit bond. As soon as they started playing, the energy exploded. It felt raw and chaotic yet calculated at the same time. Mosh pits broke out instantly, and the crowd surfers launched themselves toward the stage. Security was practically a wall of football players, catching and deflecting fans flying toward the band. 

Vundabar’s music is hard to define. It’s a mix of mathematically precise punk riffs, jazz-like drum fills and basslines that keep things steady and cool. It shouldn’t make sense, but it does. The connection between the lead singer and the drummer is something special. Their energy bounces off each other in a way that leaves you wondering how they manage to keep it up for an hour-long set. 

They played fan favorites like “Oulala,” “Alien Blues” and “Smile Boyo.” The crowd lost it during “Smile Boyo”, a track that the bassist said was one of his personal favorites to play live. Vundabar also threw in a lot of songs from their album GAWK, which is approaching its 10th anniversary. It’s an album everyone should give a listen to; it’s punk, math rock and it’s something entirely its own. 

After the show, I got a chance for a brief interaction with the band. When asked about their favorite city on tour, the band responded with a smile. “Atlanta was crazy, but Austin has been peak for us. We love Austin.” And Austin loves them back, no doubt. For fans of high-energy, unpredictable, and emotional live shows, Vundabar at Mohawk was a night to remember.