Whiskey Famine’s ‘First Pour’ EP release
There is something magical about watching a band evolve while making new art. First knowing the members of Whiskey Famine when the majority of them performed under Whiskey and the Barrels. Members of Whiskey Famine have moved on to other adventures, though the soul of the Celtic thrash punk has remained. This year, 2025, Whiskey Famine released their “First Pour” EP February 12th. Celebrating with them were the Unholy Missionaries, the Devillains, and Swainn and it was a joy being at our home-away-from-home, Yucca Tap Room, to celebrate with these great bands on Yucca Tap Room's intimate stage.
This was our first time hearing all the other bands. Yet, the Unholy Missionaries were a fantastic surprise to recognize a friend. An in-your-face approach to pirate punk, the Unholy Missionaries proselytize for the freedom of humanity. It was a shock to us that the mandolin player was, Lars Petrini, of other local bands such as the Swarthy Pirates, JahFunkified, Standing at the Back, and Bloody Rogues who have been subject to some of our earliest reviews. The moment we recognized each other was a delightful beginning to the evening.
Shortly after is the Devillains, an astounding rockabilly trio. Their set was filled with terri-bad jokes and some re-tuning. Though that does not detract from their performance. Matching nearly every other rockabilly band we've enjoyed; they have personally and charm with a tight rhythm. We have also have confessed previously that we are absolute suckers for an upright bass. Our personal favorite moment from them was watching the guitar and bass swap instruments. The Devillains are a blast of energy with every song in their set.
Third was our friends, Whiskey Famine. It's not often a band we follow so closely surprise us. Yet, encapsulated by covers and songs we've known since the beginning, were a couple songs that are new to us. Thankfully we were excited to find these songs on the First Pour EP which will be reviewing later next week. Whiskey Famine also gave a heartfelt nod to their late bassist, Roger St. John, mentioning the EP was released on his 59th birthday.
Final band of the night was the ever-coveted Swainn. The Pack had been wanting to get a face-full of their sound for a while. Simple to say, they were an impressive sight and very easy on the ears. Swainn comes at you with Celtic folk punk. All the heart of Celtic punk and the grounded, rustic vibe of folk punk. One of Swainn’s more impressive talents is their tight harmony. The power of at least three combined vocals invoke feeling of familial bonds, resistance, and pride within their music. The only perceived disappointment was that the Punk Pack needed to leave before Swainn was finished. Though we cannot wait for the next Swainn show.
It was another amazing performance by friends, present or reunited, and some new experiences that keep us exploring for more. Thank you again to Whiskey Famine who invited us to celebrate the ‘First Pour’ EP release. Watching our locals transform and persist is an amazing experience. Until the next show. Sláinte!
