Ho Chi Minh City’s local punk community gathered once again—not just to mosh and scream along but to celebrate the existence of something bigger: the punk spirit itself. Aptly titled Tôi Tồn Tại Là Punk Tồn Tại Bro (roughly translated as “I Exist, Therefore Punk Exists, Bro”), this show wasn’t just another gig; it was a testament to the raw vitality of underground music, blending local uprising and international grit.
The lineup was a powerful cocktail of new local voices and storied international names. Five bands took to the floor (there was no elevated stage), and by the end of the night, the sweat, the screams, and the sheer unity of the crowd proved that punk in Vietnam is not just alive—it’s evolving.
HappyCo: The Youngbloods Are Rising
Opening duties fell to HappyCo, a young band that’s been making serious noise in the HCMC punk circuit. Their unique blend of spoken-word punk layered over street hardcore riffs has grown tighter and more fearless with every performance. Once seen as a promising new act, HappyCo is now transitioning into a staple name, with growing crowd support to prove it.
Their lyrical delivery walks the line between vulnerability and aggression, touching on themes of urban decay, alienation, and resilience. There’s something deeply sincere about their presence—a rough-around-the-edges honesty that resonates with the youth in the room. Each time they hit the stage, they’re sharper, louder, and increasingly unforgettable.
Rabies: Old-School Speed from Eastern Europe
Next up was Rabies, legendary powerviolence veterans from the Czech Republic. Formed in the early ’90s, they’ve been part of the European hardcore scene for decades, bringing blistering tempo and unapologetic political undertones wherever they go. This marked their first time performing in Vietnam, and they wasted no time winning over the crowd.
Their set was a blitzkrieg of speed, guttural vocals, and near-perfect timing. What stood out most was their sheer professionalism—they didn’t just perform, they detonated. The band’s commitment to the ethos of D.I.Y. punk, combined with their razor-sharp precision, was a reminder that punk isn’t just a phase—it’s a lifetime devotion. If this was their first visit to Vietnam, judging by the crowd’s reception, it certainly won’t be their last.
9xactly: Controlled Chaos, Unleashed
The night really exploded when 9xactly took the floor. Known for their high-octane performances and natural charisma, they’ve become a crowd favorite in no time. Despite the lack of a proper stage, that didn’t stop the usual parade of “stage dives”, crowd surfs, and pure chaos that follows them wherever they go.
Their set was electric from start to finish, full of pit anthems that had fans screaming lyrics and dancing with reckless abandon. The band’s ability to work a crowd is unmatched locally—they know when to push the energy and when to let the audience breathe (barely). After their set, the entire room needed a minute to recover. 9xactly doesn’t just play music—they ignite rooms.
Dummy Toys: The Perfect Tour Finale
China’s Dummy Toys, an all-girl punk powerhouse that’s been smashing stereotypes and tearing through cities as part of their ambitious European/Asian tour. You’d never guess this was the last stop on their tour—there was not a hint of fatigue, only explosive energy.
Formed in the coastal city of Qingdao, Dummy Toys channel the spirit of early UK punk à la The Exploited and Rancid fused with their own rebellious fire. Their stage presence was commanding, their sound tight and fast, and their message clear: punk is for everyone. They shredded through their set with technical confidence and visceral energy, proving once again why they’re one of the most exciting punk exports from East Asia.
Cut Lon: Emotional Ferocity on a Roll
Taking the final slot was Cut Lon, a band currently riding a massive wave of momentum following their recent album drop. If 9xactly tore through the crowd with speed and fire, Cut Lon brought the emotional heft. Their performance was rich with intensity—sonic and emotional—and their setlist balanced furious anthems with deeply personal moments.
The band has become relentless in their gigging schedule, playing everywhere from dive bars to international festivals, and it shows in their polish and poise. The lead singer delivered a particularly impactful performance, closing their set with a vocal climax that left many visibly moved. Cut Lon is quickly establishing themselves as one of the most important voices in Vietnam’s punk scene today.
Tôi Tồn Tại Là Punk Tồn Tại Bro wasn’t just a local gig. It was a celebration of resistance, diversity, and identity. Whether it was the earnest rage of HappyCo, the old-school power of Rabies, the manic fun of 9xactly, the emotional depth of Cut Lon, or the fearless charge of Dummy Toys—each band brought something vital to the table.
In a city where punk is still forging its space against mainstream tides, nights like these prove that the underground is not only alive, it’s thriving. And as long as the kids keep showing up, screaming along, and starting pits in sweaty DIY spaces, punk will continue to tồn tại, bro.
