Some young music enthusiasts will argue that Fidlar are not punk. But those kids really need to shut up and find gainful employment. Sure, the noisy riffs and shouted lyrics contained within their short, sonic assaults aren’t the world’s most atonal — many of them even have, brace yourself, melody — but their punk bona fides can’t be questioned. Take their name, an acronym for “Fuck It Dog, Life’s a Risk,” or even better, their intoxicating live shows, from which even those who avoid the pit might emerge with a bloody nose or a black eye. There’s little doubt the Highland Park foursome is headed somewhere, having signed to venerated New York indie Mom + Pop and opening for The Hives this summer. Just don’t expect them to be sober when they arrive.

—Ben Westhoff

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