Alchemy Tavern at 7 S. Joachim St. has built a reputation as one of Mobile’s best spots for quality live music. On Jan. 29, 2016, the venue featured The Punknecks, a high-energy punk-country act, on its Upstairs stage at 10 p.m., with doors at 9 p.m. Hillbilly Harlots and Russ T. Nutz opened the 21-and-up show.
Raw Harmony
The band is fronted by Jason and Polly Punkneck, who combine voices, guitars and percussion for a raw harmony sound, backed by acoustic drive and backup guitarist-vocalist Russ T. Nutz. “Our show is high energy Motley Cruegrass live shit,” Jason Punkneck said.
Influences range from Kentucky Headhunters and Hank Williams Jr. to Face to Face and Monster Magnet, a mix that shaped the band’s aggressive yet unplugged sound. Jason credited his Nashville roots for much of that identity.
Supporting Original Music
As repeat performers in the Mobile area, the band stressed the importance of fan and community support. “It is super important to support live music if it is available, original music especially,” Jason said. “Without live music you will live a life of pop country and cover bands only. Keep it original, keep it going.”