Jonathan Wright

Dawson Barrett

Making a Scene in the American Heartland

Punks in Peoria

Crystal L

When I first saw this book I knew I needed to read it and I am so happy to say that it did not disappoint. A comprehensive history of the punk music scene out of Peoria, IL, Punks in Peoria kept a smile on my face the entire read as I reminisced about the music scene I grew up in. Although I didn't grow up in Peoria, lucky for me much of the spill-over made it to Chicago (duh!). If you're a fan of punk music you will love this book. 

5./5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Martin Lukanov

Opening the book, I had no idea where Peoria was, what to say about its DIY scene. Upon finishing it, I still don't know where the city is, but I feel like I'm much better versed in the ins and outs of its punk and hardcore scenes. And to be honest, they aren't that different from those of smaller cities around the world, it seems. Or big non-Western cities, for that matter. This doesn't make Wright's and Berrett's book a non-worthy read, though. Far from it, it's incredibly interesting and informative, making the reader feel as he is a part of the scene.

Punks in Peoria Making a Scene in the American Heartland

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