Chris DeLine

Few bands are able to trace their existence back to one memorable anecdote, but In Defence’s backstory is one for the history books. As the legend goes, the Twin Cities hardcore group was set to play its CD release show at Nate’s Dungeon in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Cops infiltrated the crowd at the house show and began shutting it down a few songs into the performance. A member of the crowd then came to the band’s aid, announcing that In Defence could play at his place of work: a local Taco John’s restaurant. Though better known for its Potato Oles and its commercials featuring Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, on that night Taco John’s became known as a makeshift punk venue. The band’s spontaneous nature was revisited when In Defence played a shortened set at Eclipse Records earlier this year while wearing Friday the 13th-style hockey masks (before being attacked by zombies who stormed the stage). Who knows what will happen this time around, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to expect something memorable from this self-proclaimed “taco punk” band. With Suburban Smash, Sinks, Bring That Shit, and Amort.

[This critics’ pick was originally published by City Pages.]