DS Show Review and Photo Gallery: Getting intimate with SPACED, DUEL, QUIZ, Belligerent (Cinco De Mayo’s NJ, 03/18/26)
If you live in New Jersey and your main music interest is hardcore/punk adjacent, chances are you’ve probably been to a cramped as hell show at Cinco’s. Originally operating as a small, family owned and run Mexican restaurant in New Brunswick (the flautas are killer), Cinco De Mayo gradually became part of NJ’s DIY music ecosystem over the last few years. As venues in the area began disappearing, Cinco’s stepped up in hosting hardcore, punk, and underground shows inside the literal dining area. Remember that viral “What the fuck is up Denny’s?” video? Yeah, imagine exactly that… but Mexican food. Some honorable mentions that have played at Cinco’s: Haywire, Bayway, Jivebomb, Dry Socket, XL Bully.
Hardcore local bands Belligerent and QUIZ (in photo) packed Cinco’s by opening up for the next two following bands.
Bands like Belligerent, DUEL, and SPACED are truly redefining what the hardcore scene looks like.. and proving that it’s not just a space for “the boys,” but one where femme-fronted and queer voices are essential. In a genre that has been male-dominated, their presence isn’t just a breath of fresh air, but a necessity.
DUEL was formed in NJ in 2024 by some friends looking to carve out their own space in the scene, and the band really channels community into their set. You can tell just by seeing the amount of people singing back the words, being handed over the microphone. DUEL is on the rise and I’m so here for the ride. They recently released their heavy hitters, two song EP “Counting Sheep” and “The Cost of Living” back in October. Hard recommend if you’re a fan of: GEL, Jivebomb, Gouge Away, Niis.
I think I’ve lost count now on how many times I’ve seen SPACED by now; from larger festival crowds to mid-size venues opening tours and let me tell you… it never feels the same twice. Right now they’re on tour with Sweet Pill, but this show specifically was their own intimate, headlining, side quest show.
Cinco’s was packed from the start, the windows were fogged up, and the neighbors were probably pissed by the time Buffalo’s SPACED hit. They played some classics from their first LP “This Is All We Ever Get”, mixed in with some absolute bangers from their new EP “No Escape”. From start to finish, everyone was engaged.. and that goes for every single time I have seen them. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
Check out more photos on Instagram!