Street Punkers the Casualties at Studio A 6/20

Did you hear what recently happened at the G-8 in Germany? Anarchists from around the world tried to overthrow the fascist global police summit with a punk rock revolution! Black masked protesters wearing Crimethinc and Leftover Crack T-shirts threw grapefruit-size stones and bottles at police and torched overturned cars. But things are a bit tame back in the States, and the closest we’re getting to a riot here in Miami will be a visit from New Jersey street punk veterans, the Casualties. Hopefully their well-rehearsed style of crusty punk won’t incite impressionable young insurgents to hurl cinderblocks through a Starbucks window.

Smashing the state and drinking beer are recurring themes in most of their songs: "Drinking is our way of life; we drink so much we love to fucking fight," vocalist Jorge sings on the aptly titled “Drinking is Our Way of Life.” Their fusion of fast Black Flag-influenced riffs and coarse Exploited-style screaming is tighter than their jeans. And they do carefully cultivate their image. The group’s song titled simply "Punk Rock" explains the importance of looking good: "I'll grow my mohawk and make you stare." Big green mohawks, orange liberty spikes, and black leather jackets will be the uniform of choice among the all-ages crowd. Put your fists in the air and sing along, oi oi. -- Jason Handelsman

The Casualties, A Global Threat, and Modern Day 84 perform on Wednesday, June 20 at Studio A, 60 NE 11th St, Miami. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12, and all ages are admitted. Call 305-358-7625, or visit www.studioamiami.com.