Des Demonas (US)
Led by Kenyan-born frontman Jacky “Cougar” Abok, Washington DC's Des Demonas fuse garage-punk ferocity with the rhythmic intensity of Afrobeats, funk, and psych rock. Their music hits like a fever dream — sharp, soulful, and politically charged — propelled by Abok’s commanding presence and the band’s volcanic groove.
Formed out of D.C.’s thriving punk and garage underground, the lineup features some serious pedigree: guitarist Mark Cisneros (Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds, The Make-Up), organist/bassist Paul Vivari (Benjy Ferree, DJ Soul Call Paul), and drummer Matt Gatwood (Halpine, Two Inch Astronaut). Together, they create a sound that’s equal parts danger and dancefloor.
Des Demonas instantly caught the attention of Henry Rollins (KCRW/Black Flag), Marc Riley (BBC6 Music/The Fall), and Iggy Pop (BBC6 Music/The Stooges). With their much-anticipated LP Apocalyptic Boom! Boom! (2024), the band doubles down on its explosive mix of post-punk swagger, Farfisa-driven garage chaos, and Afro-futurist fervor.
As Kim Salmon of The Scientists put it: “The sonic fuel of the band is a blend of post-punk, punk, funk, blues, psych rock, Afrobeat, even bubblegum — but the noise you hear is pure Des Demonas.”
Wild, defiant, and full of fire, Des Demonas awaken audiences with their raucous collision of rhythm and rebellion and raw, organ-fueled punk energy! Catch them live at Grauzone Festival 2026 — a rare chance to see one of D.C.’s most electrifying bands bring their righteous fury across the Atlantic. For fans of early The Fall!
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