Growing up in the East L.A., it seemed like everyone tried to form a punk band. Even I did. The scene goes through bands quickly, as kids graduate high school and get into metal, thrash or New York style hardcore. But there are a proud few that have evolved musically without forgetting their roots.

Here is my personal list of the top five East Los Angeles punk bands that play backyards. It wasn’t easy to compile; after all, lots of groups claim East L.A. for street cred, but aren’t even from the ‘hood! Disgusting right? So, I did my research. (On Monday look for my top five East L.A. punk bands of all time.)

To find out the bands, check out my bonus article on the LA Weekly Music Blog!

Cheers!