Glutton for Insurrection is not your typical goth synthwave project. Their music is filled with aggressive political lyrics, devoid of any romanticism. The band, consisting of four masked performers, has only performed a handful of times in their four-year existence, at generator gigs and political benefits. What started as a creative outlet during the COVID lockdown has evolved into a form of resistance art, with the members demanding total freedom without permission.
The band’s founding member, known as Grog, started Glutton for Insurrection as a pandemic bedroom project. Grog, who is a bartender and a formerly incarcerated person, found solace in creating music during the lockdown. Many of their friends, who were frontline workers, lost their jobs or fell ill during this time. Just before the George Floyd uprisings, Grog uploaded eight tracks of anarchist-themed music to Bandcamp, expressing their frustration with the system.
Members of Glutton for Insurrection are deeply rooted in Chicago’s DIY punk scene and have been involved in political organizing for years. They draw inspiration from bands like Sin Orden and Los Crudos, using music as a form of protest and resistance. The group’s performances are not just shows but rather interventions and public spectacles aimed at challenging the status quo.
One significant event where you can catch Glutton for Insurrection is at Running Down the Walls, a non-competitive 5k run organized by the Anarchist Black Cross Federation. This event raises awareness and funds for political prisoners and prisoners of war, with bands and DJs joining in the run. The band sees this as an opportunity to connect with inmates and share their music with those behind bars.
For Grog and Grievance, who have spent time in prison, access to music was limited and challenging. Prisons often restrict inmates’ access to music, limiting their ability to express themselves and connect with the outside world. Glutton for Insurrection views this as a denial of basic human rights and a way for the system to control and suppress individuals.
The band’s performances go beyond just music; they incorporate visuals, theatrics, and costumes to create a powerful and immersive experience for their audience. They aim to challenge societal norms and inspire others to create a culture outside of commercialism. Glutton for Insurrection believes that punk music should be a form of resistance against imperialism and cultural hegemony.
As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the establishment, Glutton for Insurrection remains committed to their mission of using music as a tool for activism and social change. Their performances are not just about entertainment but about sparking conversations and inspiring others to join the fight against injustice.