Live on WDET: The Idiot Kids

The Idiot Kids, a Detroit-based punk band formed in 2011, are the sonic embodiment of punk’s unapologetic weirdness. Their music is a vibrant blend of punk’s high-energy spirit, garage rock’s raw aesthetic, and art pop’s melodic sensibilities.

What sets The Idiot Kids apart is their electrifying live performances — seamlessly blending the theatricality of glam with the unfiltered energy of hardcore punk. This convergence of styles creates a memorable and captivating stage presence.

Their upcoming LP, Chapels, is slated for release on Dec. 1. The second single from the album, “Wilted Bloom,” delves into the allure of relapse in an addict’s mind and the constant battle against it, according to the band. In addition to “Wilted Bloom,” The Idiot Kids offer their take on Against Me!’s “Black Me Out” as a B-Side.

The songs were recorded by the band in their basement practice space in Hamtramck, with some tracked at a cabin in Northern Michigan. The album is a true representation of the DIY ethos at the core of the group, featuring some of their most raw and emotionally charged material to date.

The band consists of Jon-Mikal Bartee, who serves as the lead singer and founder, in addition to handling guitar duties. Nicholas Zambeck provides the low-end rumble on bass guitar, while Andrew Maslowsky keeps the beat on drums and contributes backing vocals.

The Idiot Kids have carved their own niche in the Detroit punk scene, pushing the boundaries of the genre while maintaining a passionate, DIY spirit.