Images: The Peccadilloes, Unfair Fight, Sounds of Threat, Surrounded by Thieves, Bobby Meader January, 24 2014 at The Double Down Saloon

Over the past few years, Vegas-based SquidHat Records has collected an impressive roster of local punk rock talent. And in addition to helping out their own bands, they’ve made a positive impact by promoting non-SquidHat acts and organizing local showcases.  So I was excited to support the label and see some of my favorite locals at the first day of their second anniversary festival, featuring The Peccadilloes, Unfair Fight, Sounds of Threat, Surrounded by Thieves and Bobby Meader Music.

The Double Down is infamous for disorganized shows that last into the early morning, so I was amazed at how smoothly the night moved along. A lot of that is thanks to the efforts of Cody Leavitt, who did a great job organizing as well as filling in as roadie, sound guy, stage manager; all while singing along to his buddies’ bands. And though someone did spit on Bobby Meader in the middle of his set (you can’t please everyone at the Double Down, unfortunately),  I was taken in by an overwhelming feeling of rowdy solidarity in the air. Check out my photos from the night below, including those of Surrounded By Thieves’ new lineup (with Eric Raleigh on guitar).

-Aaron Mattern | https://www.flickr.com/photos/akmofoto/