Something Fierce

Hailing from Houston, Texas, the three-piece outfit Something Fierce fuses the raw sound and defiant attitude of 1977's initial punk explosion with a thoroughly modern vitality and worldview, reframing the Clash's and Buzzcocks' aggressive approach for contemporary listeners. Guitarist and lead singer Steven Garcia, formerly of Gun Crazy and Born Liars, launched the band in 2005 alongside bassist and vocalist Niki Sevven, who had previously played with the Neckbreakers. Multiple drummers rotated through the lineup until Andrew Keith joined after the members noticed his regular attendance at local performances and gatherings. The group tracked its self-released debut album, Come for the Bastards, in 2006. Subsequent years brought steady live activity across the Southwest and occasional longer drives into the South and Midwest, plus several 7-inch singles, among them a split with the Hangouts. In 2008 the band issued its second album, There Are No Answers, initially pressing and distributing copies on its own; Portland, Oregon punk label Dirtnap Records later signed Something Fierce and reissued the record in 2009. Extensive touring continued, followed by a 2010 7-inch on Action Town Records and the recording of the third album, Don't Be So Cruel, in 2011. That release saw the band's style move toward greater sophistication and pop influence while preserving its punk foundation.