Being on the old-school side of the fence, this is the clearest view I’ve had of the next Mohawked generation with nothing not to like. It is great to hear from Kerr, as I remember seeing him around town in the ’90s. He has a lot of insight into the culture of punk and is one of the nicest music legends you will ever hear from.
Miguel initially provides narration that adds even more acceleration to his setting up the graffiti-covered background of the contest and the city. His rapid-fire voiceover is lively but also a little exhausting, similar to chugging a quart of Mountain Dew while skateboarding into a brick wall. However, Miguel wisely drops all commentary once he enters the contest, and this is when the film catches fire.
Punk Rock Lottery has a narcotic electricity usually only seen in the guiltiest of pleasures running through it. Once the contest portion begins, the documentary becomes the most entertaining reality competition never shown on TV. Every second is both hilarious and inspiring, with the hunger for more never letting up.
“The music is surprisingly good, too… everything I heard sounded like well-seasoned anarchy to me.”
Part of the addictive nature is the sugar blast from the surprises over the band names and concepts. Miguel films the judging panels led by Reed, and their reactions are just as priceless as the ones from the audience, allowing two hits off the same puff. The interviews with the contestants have that comfortable beer-buzz feel to them that is so appropriate for the subject.
The music is surprisingly good, too. Even the rawest punk tunes are actual songs instead of just discordance and screaming. Miguel has a good ear, as everything I heard sounded like well-seasoned anarchy to me. It did help having Miguel caught in the mosh, as it gave us several Where’s Waldo moments to pick him out of the crowd.
You definitely won’t miss him when it is time for his band to come onstage. The founders of the contest mention that it could be duplicated in other cities, so I am rummaging for a spare hat. Too bad there is no TV anymore, as this contest would take it over.
Punk Rock Lottery shows the power of inspiration to create outlandishness out of thin air. Stream immediately, as this one hits like nitrous.
"…displays the metal spiked maverick streak of true renegade cinema..."
