Nashville based punk trio Winona Fighter released an acoustic cover of the Violent Femmes’ iconic punk anthem “Blister In The Sun” last week on August 7, rounding out their upcoming edition of My Apologies To The Chef (Deluxe) as the album’s 31st song, due to be released September 5, 2025.

Front woman and multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther have been releasing music as Winona Fighter since their 2022 five song EP Father Figure, after Coco’s move from Boston, MA. Father Figure was later reconfigured into their 14 song full length debut album, My Apologies To The Chef, released in early 2025. Winona Fighter has received praise from tastemakers like New Noise Magazine, Flood Magazine, and Consequence, and have been gaining traction with a substantial fan base as their powerful punk presence has been ripping through the scene. Punk music has always given us an outlet for our toughest emotions, the anger and pain we all share as human beings, but are forced to swallow during our day jobs. Winona Fighter has made it cool to feel and okay to be angry again with their pop-punk anthems and killer stage performance.

Winona Fighter’s decision to cover “Blister In The Sun” came from their desire to “honor those who have paved the way” as Kinnon put it. “It was only natural for us to pay homage to the folk-punk legends themselves, Violent Femmes. We are really stoked about this cover and getting a nod of approval from the band themselves made us all the more proud and excited.” The single does absolutely that. A powerful authentic version of “Blister In The Sun,” yet paying tribute to the song’s original energy. When the single begins with its strumming guitar riff and slapping drums, it is hard to determine if it’s the original or not until your brain catches up with Kinnon’s vocal oomph. Kinnon adds her feminine edge to an already powerful song, especially towards the end of the song when she turns up the heat with intense vocal range and a thoughtfully placed scream. The instrumentals themselves kick it up a notch, which makes it hard to believe this is truly an acoustic song. A true example of the band’s ability to bring a powerful energy to everything they do.

The deluxe edition includes an acoustic version of each song from the original album as well as their cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” – I am THRILLED for this – and their already released single (Don’t Get) CLOSE, which may be the pop-punk song of the summer.

Photographed by Brandon Corey

Having already been a big fan of Winona Fighter, I was not surprised to hear their cover of “Blister In The Sun” with its added modern day angst and playfulness that only they could weave into such a nostalgic ’80s punk song. The release of this single did exactly the job of a single — spur my desire to revisit the original album on repeat and build excitement for the release of the deluxe edition the fall. Nothing says fall like an acoustic version of every single pop-punk song you’ve been playing all year long.

Winona Fighter is set for a three-stop tour this fall with a grand finale at Vans Warped Tour Orlando. Tickets are available on their website and on the Warped Tour Orlando site. A live performance by Winona Fighter is not one to miss!

Upcoming Tour Dates:

9/3 – New York, NY @ Silver Lining Lounge (hosted by Scott Lipps)

9/13 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works (w/Cartel)

10/18 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club (w/Driveways)

11/15-11/16 – Orlando, FL @ Vans Warped Tour **

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