Vial @ Resonant Head

Minnesota-based trio VIAL is currently in the midst of their Hellhound tour in support of their latest album, bringing their queer punk activism to cities across the United States. This included a stop at Oklahoma City’s Resonant Head for a night of releasing rage and having a fun time while doing so. 

Starting off the night were performances from Social Cinema, hailing from nearby Nebraska, and Alex Vile, who were visiting from Tacoma, WA. Both acts brought their own punk rock energy to the stage, and got the crowd adequately warmed up for the main event. 

Around 9:45, it was time for VIAL to take the stage. They were introduced by a throwback-style graphic of their logo bouncing around a black screen, hearkening back to the now-vintage DVD screensavers, before the opening notes of “HELLHOUND” echoed through the venue. The trio, consisting of guitarist KT Branscom, bassist Taylor Kraemer and drummer Katie Fischer, all took turns alternating lead and backing vocals throughout the setlist - something I thought was extremely cool and unexpected. HELLHOUND was definitely the star of the setlist, with almost the entire album making an appearance. However, the trio made sure to leave room for some older hits as well, such as bringing “Vodka Lemonade” out for the first time in a bit, incorporating a cover of Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings,” and even bringing out “Rough” from their 2019 debut Grow Up. The group’s energy was badass, and the crowd threw it back to them by jumping, screaming, and moshing the night away. 

In addition to their amazing performances on the road, VIAL is giving back to their community by selling  t-shirts at their merch table with a “Piss Melts Ice” graphic, with all proceeds being donated to the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), which is amazingly punk.

The Hellhound Tour continues across the U.S., concluding on May 20 with a performance at Mahall’s in Cleveland, OH. All upcoming shows can be found on their website.