Rock hasn’t made an impact like this since the dinosaurs went extinct.
Punk rock, that is.
Longmont brothers, Lars and Maximus Messmer, aged 19 and 14, respectively, have stayed busy over the last year breaking into Colorado’s live music scene. They’ve been playing together for several years, but only recently started hitting the stage.
Their band is named Kung Fu Juicebox, and they specialize in energetic, Green Day-like punk rock music. Since playing their first gig last December, they’ve found themselves quickly making a mark. Among their achievements:
More than a dozen live shows in less than a year.
Featured several times in Westword, including being named “Best Sibling Punk Band” and featured among the “Best New Music Releases of December 2025.”
Happening now:
KFJB’s latest accomplishment is creating their first album. It’s a significant milestone for the pair who recorded all of the album’s songs by converting their mom’s basement into a makeshift sound studio. The teens said the demands of creating an album cost them countless hours and most of their summer, but well worth the effort. Now that it’s done, they’re celebrating the occasion here at home:
This Friday, Summit Tacos in Longmont is hosting the band’s album release party from 6-9 p.m.
It’s family-friendly and free — though they are accepting donations to help pay for the costs of the show, and support the show’s other bands. Lars and Maximus will also be matching each donation and sending the proceeds back to Longmont Underground, a steward of the local punk scene.
Two bands will open for KFJB: We Are All Crooks —another Longmont-based punk rock band — and Muttmouth.
Lars and Maximus says when it comes to punk rock, there’s more to the genre than meets the eye.
“It’s so wonderful,” Lars said. “You can play crappy and still sound good. I think that’s really beautiful, it’s kind of poetic.”
When asked why someone who doesn’t listen to punk should consider attending their album release party, the brothers hailed the inclusive culture of punk communities.
“Punk communities are very welcoming.” Maximus said. “It’s a place to meet new people.”
“High energy, too.” Lars added. “If you’re feeling down on a Saturday night, go to a punk show and you’re going to instantly feel better.”
If you can’t make it Friday night, Kung Fu Juicebox’s next show in Longmont is October 10. Learn more about the band here.
Zooming out:
Longmont has a burgeoning punk scene. In addition to KFJB and We Are All Crooks, another local band named No Reason to Care, is gaining traction as well, tallying over 3,100 followers on Instagram. And Longmont’s youth are into it — Lars said punk rock shows in Longmont are seeing big crowds, particularly from those under 21 who are looking for opportunities to socialize:
A show in May in downtown Longmont featuring Cheap Perfume sold out.
A “Punk Prom” event in Longmont this April sold out, too.
Last Saturday, a hip hop show at Pelo’s saw over 180 people.
Westword highlighted the rise of punk in Longmont in a recent article.