TROY – Who says punk is dead? Certainly not the crowd gathered in an abandoned KFC parking lot in Troy on the warm evening of Friday, Sept. 12.

The town came alive with nearly 100 people attending including toddlers perched on parents’ shoulders, teens in do-it-yourself outfits (including KFC buckets worn as hats) and seasoned rockers of all ages.

The night was alive with laughter, blasting guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and a powerful sense of community, all thanks to local punk band Anti-Fashion.

Anti-Fashion is a fresh, year-old band from Troy, drawing inspiration from punk legends like Social Distortion, Green Day, and The Germs.

According to guitarist Justin Maddock, that’s just a few of the influences shaping their sound. Some of the band members share childhood friendships formed through school and church, but what unites them is a deep passion for punk rock and the goal of building something special in their community.
“We want to bring punk rock back to the roots [sound-wise] but be better for the community,” said Xander Faatz, bassist for the band.
The crowd echoed that sense of connection.

Melissa Day, sister of drummer Blake Day, shared how she came to appreciate punk music herself.
“I didn’t like it at first [punk music], but then my little brother introduced me to it, and I really, really like it,” she said. “And to see how happy it makes him.”
The band’s unofficial hype man, Kyle Freeman, shared her enthusiasm.
“Everyone loves punk rock — they just don’t know it yet!”
As Anti-Fashion kept playing — with a mix of original tracks and covers like Operation Ivy and Minor Threat — the crowd only grew.

Onlookers from local businesses stopped to check it out, while motorists driving by honked their support. The scene was electric, a pure punk energy that pulsed through the air.
Lisa Maddock, Justin’s mother and the band’s self-proclaimed biggest fan, joked about the noise level.
“It’s loud. They practice in the basement, but I couldn’t be more proud,” she said. “They’re great kids. They’re not out there doing bad things, and the crowd is also being really respectful of that.”
Other parents shared similar sentiments.
“They could be out here doing worse — but they’re out here having fun, not causing trouble,” said Nathan Faatz, father of bassist Xander Faatz. “Oh, I
couldn’t be happier. Really, 17-30-something-year-olds don’t have a place to go unless you drink, like at a bar.”
Kyle Freeman said he’d like to see the local music scene expand.
“Oh, if we had a place to do this but, like, indoors, that would be great. It would bring us closer together,” he said. “The music — all music in general — we need this.”
The band itself shares this dream. Though happy with their DIY roots, Anti-Fashion hopes to turn places like the KFC lot into venues where young people can safely enjoy music and connect with one another.

“I think this is the best I’ve felt after all our shows. This is the biggest turnout. We love you all, I appreciate (it)” said frontman Isaiah Lawrence, catching his breath after the set. “It’s really hard to put into words, really.”
For those looking to continue supporting local punk, Anti-Fashion will be performing at Denny’s in Troy, Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

This charity event is free, with proceeds benefiting the No Kid Hungry fundraiser. Joining them will be local acts Neutral Grey and Abby Brown.