Bern & the Bastards is a South Philly punk rock band founded in 2016 by songwriter Bern the Bastard and drummer Jared Williams. Their 2017 debut EP, Lobotomy TV, drew on inspiration from artists like Pixies, Choking Victim, Dead Kennedys and Molly Rhythm, with clever hook-driven lyrics and big, often grotesque, singalong choruses. Their 2018 follow-up EP, You're Only as Good as Your Propaganda, brought a more focused pop-crust punk sound, born out of the angst of the Trump era. This release saw the addition of bassist, James Cooper and won the Bastard's the Deli Magazine's local artist of the month for Philadelphia. In 2021, The Bastards joined forces with South Philly DIY label, Rubbish Records, and began releasing the singles to their 2022 full length album, The Revenge of Bern and the Bastards. Combining sci-fi and horror themes, The Revenge is overflowing with guitar harmonies, gory ear worm hooks, old movie samples, and guest features.