A Dive Into L.A.’s Punk Scene: Decolonize-Core with Xibalba
L.A.-based hardcore band Xibalba recently headlined a record-release show at 1st Street Billiards in Boyle Heights. Their new album "Aztlán" is a tribute to L.A.'s thriving DIY punk and hardcore scene that is led by Latinos born and raised in Los Angeles.
Xibalba is perhaps the heaviest band out of Los Angeles since Slayer. The members are from all over the city, and the band's insanely raw and powerfully relentless sound has led them to have a loyal base of fans since forming in 2006.
To celebrate their newest E.P., Aztlán, the five-piece band threw a free show at 1st Street Billiards in Boyle Heights on Friday, January 13. The show doubled as a music video shoot for Desmadre, another emerging hardcore band out of Los Angeles. Hundreds of punks and fans of aggressive music showed up to support.
"Aztlán is all about Chicanos, power, and being fucking relentless," says Nate Rebolledo, Xibalba's frontman. "What better place to do a record release show for an album titled Aztlán than East L.A.?"
The show was organized by Nothing Less Booking, SOS Booking, and California Cowboys, the three independent music booking collectives making sure L.A.'s historic punk scene stays as active as it has always been.
"This album is a testament to the people of color in Los Angeles," says Rebolledo. "As much as some people would like it, we're not going anywhere because this is Aztlán."
All photos by Memo Torres for L.A. TACO.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
We Tried Five Hand Roll Bars in Los Angeles. This One Was the Best.
The simple hand roll is decidedly egalitarian and its etiquette straightforward. Now that Los Angeles has become an unofficial hand roll capital outside of Japan, we decided to try five popular concepts across the city and rank them accordingly. Here’s what we found.
Which Car Brand Has L.A.’s Worst Drivers? Let Us Know Your Thoughts And Win Our New Bota Mug
Is it that Tesla driver that just cut you off? An Altima with bald tires? That privileged 18-year-old new driver who barely knows how to maneuver his Land Rover Defender? Or that overwhelmed Van Lifer circling the same block 69 times trying to find parking? Comment on our post to win your free bota mug! Note: Comments on social media will not be entered in contest. Only members can comment on our website. Join now!
Straight From Lebanon’s Streets, These Juicy Sandwiches Are Reviving Eagle Rock Plaza’s Lonely Corner Strip Mall
This new family restaurant offers Lebanese-style "rosto" or roast beef, as well as tender beef tongue, rich stewed chicken liver, maanek and sujuk sausages, and infamously pungent basturma. 95% of their spices come from Lebanon.
Annual Cinco de Mayo Lowrider Cruise Shutdown by LAPD Before Sold-Out Dodger Game, Causing Confusion and Frustration
"Was really bummed to see a dead park with cops standing by today,” an Elysian Park resident told L.A. TACO. “Like, what’s the point of the park?? Also, why do the Dodgers call the shots? They made the calls [to] shut it down,” the resident speculated.
‘We Will Win:’ USC Students Won’t Back Down, Committing To Their Fight For Palestine Despite Arrests
One of their main demands is for the school to not only commit to a complete academic boycott of Israel and their killing of Palestinians, but also to be transparent about how much the school is investing.
