LEE STOCK-Two Smoking Stages!
John Marmysz of Sacripolitical - Photo by John Greenwood
So, to continue on from the earlier In Spite article introducing Lee Hoffman and outlining the reason we have the LEE STOCK events on the calendar.
This was LEE STOCK 4, which carried the added value of returning veteran San Francisco punk venue The Pound, now renamed The New Farm, back into the punk rock circuit where it belongs. September 27, 2025, was a warm and beautiful day for the spectacle, and anticipation was high.
TWAT - Photo by John Greenwood
Right out of the gate, early frontrunners for band of the day were San Francisco veteran punkers TWAT, who delivered a scorching set. This is everything you could ever want from a punk band: sharp lyrics, real passion, grit, and a twist of tongue-in-cheek humor that makes them tremendous in my view. I cannot believe this band escaped me for nearly a decade. Fair warning, I’ve started a full-blown love affair with them. They’re now regulars on my playlist, firmly lodged in my heart, and right up there with the best of them. Do yourselves a favor and listen to both of their EPs on YouTube: Degentrification EP and No Heroes EP.
No Fucking Good - Photo by John Greenwood
With limited space, I’ll have to pick through the rest of the lineup. San Jose hardcore band NFG (No Fucking Good) delivered an intense, rabble-rousing set, while on the outdoor stage Pound Puppies were kicking up a storm. A compelling duel followed between the two stages, with Calico holding down the outdoor stage and Oakland garage rockers The Rinds giving a strong account of themselves indoors.
Pound Puppies - Photo by John Greenwood
Mr. LEE STOCK himself, Lee Hoffman, fronting Elegant Trash, threw everything, including the kitchen sink, into their indoor performance, complete with a raucous “he’s here, he’s there, he’s every f’in’ where” moment. It landed with the same passion and authenticity Lee brings to every project he touches.
Lee Hoffman of Elegant Trash - Photo by John Greenwood
Lola & the Travelers added a sweet vocal presence and soothing harmonies on the outdoor stage. Keeping that vibe rolling, Christa Dibiase followed with a great steel-guitar blues set. Her opener had me mesmerized in my own little Gun Club moment.
Lola & the Travelers - Photo by John Greenwood
Marin’s Sacripolitical, fronted by John Marmysz, completely bossed the indoor stage with a confrontational, in-your-face approach and thoughtful lyrics that won me over instantly. The name gives the game away: this band is serious about the political mess we’re all living in, and I’m right there with them. Tracks like “Shove It Up Your Ass” and “Gogol’s Nose” (side two of the single, available as a 45 on Bandcamp) hit hard. They even have their own “Sacripolitical Anthem.” Love ’em.
John Marmysz of Sacripolitical - Photo by John Greenwood
A fine sing-along rocker set from Lost Cosmos brought an inclusive, “we all stand together” energy that fed perfectly into the day’s spirit. Fail Salon, self-described trailer-park punkers, followed with a formidable presence on the outdoor stage.
Fail Salon - Photo by John Greenwood
Inside, Hyperdrive Kittens delivered sweaty, sleazy, gritty retro rock, with lead kitten Glitter making excellent use of the space. New to me, KC & the Clamps took the outdoor stage next, appearing to be an amalgam of members from Elegant Trash and headliners The Vaxxines, with Chelsea Rose on vocals. Whether this is a full-time project or a one-off, it was a blast. Chelsea, as always, commanded the spotlight, or in this case, the sunshine.
Hyperdrive Kittens - Photo by John Greenwood
Dillon O’Bannon brought things down to a more intimate level with heartfelt, sincere lyrics during a very enjoyable outdoor set. Sacramento horror-punk outfit Ultrafiend X then stormed the indoor stage like they were heading into battle. No meek or mild goth tropes here. From the opening note, it was loud, fierce, and confrontational, reminding me how goth felt back in the days of Sex Gang Children and Alien Sex Fiend, before the fangs were dulled. Vocalist Chandler Tinder was a man possessed, delivering a watchable and unforgettable performance.
Xerxes Ultrafiend of Ultrafiend X - Photo by John Greenwood
Fresh off debuting both a new album and a new drummer, headliners The Vaxxines justified every ounce of anticipation. Their boisterous, rabble-rousing approach and imagery went down a treat. The standout track “Live Your Life” is available now as a YouTube video.
All respect to everyone who contributed to making this show a success. By my count, around 54 bands graced two stages over seven hours, a phenomenal turnaround for all involved. I discovered fantastic new bands, made new friends I’ll cherish, and revisited a much-missed place of mystique in The Pound.
What a fantastic day.
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