The Bad Penny (beta)

In this edition of On Tyranny, Erin Walter – frontwoman of Austin power-pop punks Parker Woodland – discusses the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to build a slew of new detention centers (some call them concentration camps) across the country. Walter is particularly knowledgable on the subject, having protested at the South Texas Family Residential Center, which recently housed 5-year-old ICE detainee Liam Ramos and his father (they were released earlier this week).

The singer/activist also reveals what led her band to cover the Clash’s “Police on My Back,” which Parker Woodland released as a single roughly a week ago. Proceeds from sales of that song and its B-side, “Get Me to the Show,” are benefitting the Texas Civil Rights Project. The single is available on Parker Woodland’s Bandcamp page, which also contains copious information about the band and its releases.

If grungy alt-rock with a smattering of noise and post-punk if your bag – and if you live in Boise, Idaho – you’re in for a helluva treat tonight. A band fitting that aforementioned description, VTB are swinging through the City of Trees to play a set at Realms Arcade as part of their tour. VTB – which was originally a drum and bass project but is now a full-fledged band – are touring in support of their October EP, People Died & Things Exploded, which was issued by Bleakhouse.

On Wednesday, The Bad Penny caught up with VTB members Austin Stewart (lead guitar, vocals), Michael Mendez (synth) and Brennan Stewart (drums) for a lively interview ahead of their gig. It’ll be a special one for VTB, as they’ve never played in Boise before. For more on the group, go to their Bandcamp page.

Tickets for VTB’s concert tonight at Realms Arcade cost only 10 bucks. Chaz’s Corner, underdogs and potentially one more band will handle opening duties. VTB’s set will start around 8:30-8:45, the band told The Bad Penny.