GALLERY: Cartel at Mohawk
AUSTIN, TX @ MOHAWK | OCTOBER 15, 2025 | BY CHRIS PRAETZEL
Pop-Punk heroes “Cartel” came through Austin’s historic Mohawk during the 20 year anniversary tour of their breakout debut album “Chroma.” Joined by LA-based openers “Hunny” and Long Island's “Macseal,” the show brought on fans of both new indie/emo and millennial pop-punk alike. Energy was high, with both openers setting a proper tone, featuring new tracks and older fan favorites that all hit a high BPM (as they should). “Hunny” frontman Jason Yarger showed fans why the band continues to be an energetic powerhouse in the emo scene, with a very danceable, high-tempo set, sporting shades and a bottle of red wine.
A pre-show playlist of pop-punk bangers reminded everyone why they were there and welcomed Cartel to the stage. The intimate venue made the whole experience feel even more nostalgic as the band immediately hit fans with hits “Say Anything, Else” and “Honestly” back to back. Vocals stood out as frontman Will Pugh sounded almost identical to the recorded tracks, and I was transported back to middle school - and I mean that in the best way possible. Cartel still rips.
