Over 30 years of Original Genuine Punk and Hardcore!
shows
Wednesday, May 13th - Eli's Mile High Club, Oakland, CA
With The Hella and DJ Denim Yeti! Click the pic for discounted tickets!
Thursday, May 14th - Whiskey a Go Go, Hollywood, CA
With HR from BAD BRAINS! Click the pic for discounted tickets!
history
The band was founded in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the mid-1990s by songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Jay Paule. Emerging during the height of the "808 scene," The Caps became a cornerstone of the island’s DIY community. They anchored all-ages staples like the Mini-Mele series at Beach Hall and performed at a steady rotation of school cafeterias, including Roosevelt and Kalaheo High. And they played legendary venues like Fast zone, Pucks Alley, and 1739.Their sound was a high-octane blend of ska-punk and surf-punk, featuring a "nasty, grungy" edge that reflected the raw island lifestyle. Sharing bills with legendary local acts like The Knumbskulls, Unit 101, 86 List and Grapefruit, The Caps helped define a generation of Hawaiian punk documented on early local compilations and their formative independent releases.In 2000, the band made a pivotal move to Oakland, California, evolving their sound to match the intensity of the East Bay. This era was defined by a grueling "workhorse mentality." While establishing themselves at legendary Bay Area hubs like 924 Gilman Street, The Pound, Bottom of the Hill, Blake’s on Telegraph, and Eli’s Mile High Club, the band never lost their underground roots.The Caps became road warriors, playing an exhaustive circuit that included not just clubs, but a relentless string of house parties, frat parties, arcades, and warehouse spaces like San Jose’s "Disabled Cave." They shared the stage with diverse acts such as Powerman 5000, Karate High School, Peelander Z, Second Shot, Eskapo, Stigma 13, and Hereticus. Musically, their sound matured into a more aggressive, "gritty" style that bridged the gap between their melodic Hawaii origins and the harder-edged California punk tradition.After a period of dormancy, The Caps have returned with significant momentum. They recently reconnected with their roots through a series of high-profile "legacy" gigs in Honolulu, including a standout performance at Anna O’Brien’s and two landmark "rarities" shows at Nextdoor in Chinatown, including a show for the Sailor Jerry Festival. These shows celebrated their 30-year history and featured a rare collaboration of original and longtime members.New Releases:The band’s current chapter is being documented through several new releases:"Bed of Broken Dreams": A featured track on the Hawaiian Punk Volume 5 compilation (Hawaiian Express Records).
Digital Demos: Two additional unreleased demos, as well as “Bed OF Broken Dreams” have recently been made available on all major streaming services, providing a raw look at their evolving sound.
LIVE!
Contact
For booking, questions, collaborations, or just to say whats up...