The Malfunction Kids: Patrick Lew’s Raw Punk Rebirth

"Where the mistakes make the music."

"The Malfunction Kids is a new project by Patrick Lew (PLB, Lewnatic, Men of Madness). Here he will experiment with stripped down sounds and more organic thoughts. More to come."

The Malfunction Kids are the high-voltage evolution of Asian-American rock icon and Akademia Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Lew. Born in the underground of San Francisco and forged through over two decades of indie defiance, the band represents a return to the gritty, "in-your-face" punk roots that first ignited Patrick’s career in 2001. Following the experimental eras of the Patrick Lew Band (PLB) and the genre-bending heights of Lewnatic, The Malfunction Kids strip away the digital polish in favor of raw, live energy. Their sound is a sonic collision of 90's grunge, anthemic garage punk, and the fierce spirit of the Bay Area scene—anchored by Patrick’s signature Fender Telecaster riffs and a lifetime of survival in the industry. With their 2026 release, a live punk EP that captures the unedited chaos of their stage show, The Malfunction Kids prove that "Punk Is Not Dead"—it’s just malfunctioning. For Patrick Lew, this isn't just a new project; it’s a manifesto. No compromise. No safety net. Just loud, honest rock and roll.