This Punk Band Just Dropped a 50-Page Manifesto (and New Music)

Gunk! just dropped the most academic punk single you’ll come across all year.

While the song “FEMICIDE” is a breakneck two minutes, it serves more as a sonic companion piece to “The Femicide Manifesto,” a fifty-page scholarly article tackling sex, fear and femininity, complete with a bibliography.

“I liked the idea of having something to release that was more than music at first, although honestly, the music speaks for itself. The music is everything,” says vocalist Willie Cyr. “The type of band that we are, and people are starting to perceive us as, and the audience we have, I want to be able to be able to bring up important things and get more peoples’ attention and speak on topics such as that.”

The music predated the manifesto, in this case, and what was initially supposed to be a DIY zine turned into a informational project that includes each of the band member’s perspectives on modern femininity.

“It was supposed to be a tiny little zine and the more I kept thinking and researching and finding differing stuff to talk about, I just kept going,” Cyr shares. “I sent it to them and was like, ‘Are y’all fucking with this?’”

“And we, in fact, were fucking with this,” adds guitarist Kat Harris.

Since 2022, the Colorado Springs femmecore five-piece has been a flag bearer for inclusivity and visibility within the local scene, so dropping a full-fledged manifesto felt like the natural next step after the release of its self-titled debut last January.

“I thought it was really well done,” says guitarist Char Rogers. “I was really proud of Willie for taking the initiative to get the information out there. It’s really cool. There’s just so much that people don’t know about all the different parts of women and oppression.

“Overall, I was really proud of them for taking the time and having that voice because I think it’s really important,” she continues. “There are some things that aren’t talked about or easily talked about, and they just went balls to the wall with it.”

That last line is a good description of Gunk!, too. The group, which also includes bassist Birdy Carl and drummer Mylena Guerrero, doesn’t hold back, as the members often jump between instruments during sets. Riot grrrl rowdiness at its finest.

“At this point it’s become such a part of our routine, I don’t think twice about it,” Harris says. “I always love to hear the reactions of people seeing us for the first time and being like, ‘It was so crazy when you guys got up there and switched instruments.’ I find it hilarious every time.”

“I’m like, ‘My bitches are bad,’” Carl quips.

Witness the Gunk! switcheroo next on Friday, January 16, at Creepatorium. Kunt, Diskount Vodka and Amish Drive-By are also on the bill.

Gunk! — the moniker is a mash-up of “girl” and “punk” — is ramping up for a big 2026 with a new album set to be released on Valentine’s Day, February 14. There’s a show at What’s Left Records to celebrate.

“I do feel a little bit of a tone shift in this album, as far as it’s a little heavier, maybe even doomier,” Rogers says.

Then it’s to the Pacific Northwest for gigs in Seattle and Portland, before coming back home for more manifesto musing. Right now, Gunk! is booked through May, and locally is becoming a beacon of the new-wave of punk.

“Right now, especially in Colorado and in the Springs, there’s definitely a renaissance happening with art in general, different mixed medias, bands and music,” Guerrero says. “There are different genres to choose from, different bands that play different genres.”

Gunk! is certainly doing its part.

“I feel like it’s pretty empowering. Just to have the opportunity to say how we feel and speak up,” Rogers says. “The whole point is that more people do it. If they see a group of people together speaking their minds and doing things that feel authentic to them. then they will do that, too.”

“I definitely feel like it’s a privilege and responsibility, as well as it is a fun, cool thing. We’ve been given a platform to use our voices and speak up for the truths that we believe in,” Harris concludes. “That’s a huge responsibility. As we’re gaining momentum, I feel like there’s an even bigger responsibility there to continue to use our art for what we believe in and for standing up for people.”

Gunk!, with Kunt, Diskount Vodka and Amish Drive-By, 7 p.m. Friday, January 16, Creepatorium, 1974 South Tacoma St. Tickets are $15.