The idea of a concept band packs many connotations, most of them highbrow. But with new Central Florida punk trio Unholy Rodents, you’d be wrong. Predicated on a demonic squirrel schtick that defines their entire identity, they’re about as intellectual as Tampa’s Wolf-Face — who, by the way, all perform dressed like Michael J. Fox’s Teen Wolf. Just like Wolf-Face, however, this does not preclude them from being some sort of brilliant.
The three-piece scurry of vocalist-bassist Squirrel Goddammit, guitarist Blind Squirrel and drummer Anti-Squirrel call their music “squirrelcore” and perform wearing horror squirrel masks. While that concept may not necessarily suggest depth, it does prove some wicked guile. Now, the young group are emerging to infect our scene with their very particular breed of punk-rock pestilence.
From their Lake County origins, Unholy Rodents are beginning to creep into the metro with some live shows, including one this weekend. They’re also coming armed with new debut LP Verminous. With songs like “Satanic Squirrels That Love to Sin,” “Fuck Animal Control” and “Get the Fuck Out of My Tree,” the album is a 10-pack of hardcore songs mostly involving squirrels — so, fair enough, squirrelcore. For a fledgling group that’s also a novelty act, Verminous is an introduction that’s probably more than you would, and probably should, expect from a comedy band. In fact, forget that apologist disclaimer. This record is a scorcher.
Unholy Rodents are a band that shoot it deadly straight. No experimental detours or arty flourishes, just head-on hardcore that makes Verminous a bolt of high-velocity punk rock built for the pit. There are a couple of surprise ska breakdowns on “No One Cares” and “Jeff (the Squirrel) Goddammit” that could qualify as comedic relief. But, otherwise, fast and furious is the mode with storming guitars, barreling beats and confrontational shouts. It’s classic anti-establishment punk rock done with fidelity, fire and, OK, fur.
Unholy Rodents may be a novelty act, but they’re no joke. This debut album is a funny but fierce blast. So gird your loins and your bird feeders alike — these squirrel nut rippers are coming. Verminous now streams everywhere, and this weekend you can catch the disease live when Unholy Rodents play at Sanford Punk Night with Swift Knuckle Solution, No Allies, Best Days Behind and Steve Osborne. (6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, West End Trading Co., $10)
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This article appears in July 8-14, 2026.
