KEXP at Iceland Airwaves, Day 4: Börn

The second act up for our live streaming broadcast from Kex Hostel at Iceland Airwaves was rock and post-punk band Börn. They have a darker, gloomier sound influenced by the Icelandic punk movement of the 80s. Lead singer Alexandra is a total badass. She came adorned in black lipstick, a bright green faux hawk and blonde rat tail, glittery face paint, and a large blocky black "FEMINIST" necklace. This 3/4 female band certainly scores one for gender equality in punk, as they are every bit as rocking as the last band we broadcast, Pink Street Boys. Börn is political, powerful, and poised to forward the next generation of the punk, hardcore, and doom scene in Reykjavik.

Börn kicked off their set with a fat, driving baseline. The tune had a darker sound, but also a bouncy enough beat to bring the audience to their feet and bob along. There were a few infants and toddlers with earmuffs being introduced to punk by their parents. The aggressive singing had some of the energy of X-Ray Specs (though not as screechy) or other classic female punk vocalists.  The crowd was more energetic by this point in the day, and more beers were flowing. Alexandra announced that it was sparkly black paper crowed bass player Júlíana's birthday saying, "be sure to buy her a drink if you see her out tonight." Börn played a tight, heavy set and left the stage saying, "thank you for having us, Kex."

Up next we've got Girl Band streaming live at kexp.org. Check out our full schedule here.