The band debuted in early 1978 and quickly became a mainstay of the Austin, Texas scene, rapidly expanding their fan base from the early scene they spearheaded at Raul's and other early punk/new wave venues, but clubs whose audiences crossed the spectrum, including the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Continental Club, Dukes Royal Coach, Club Foot, Liberty Lunch, and many others in the late 1970s and early 80s. The band's music channeled classic garage rock influences, such as The Rolling Stones and The Who with Seventies cult figures such as the New York Dolls and The Velvet Underground, infused with a powerful guitar attack and Sublett's active, up-front electric bass, The Skunks sound is best represented by songs like "Cheap Girl" and "Push Me Around,"both of which appeared on the first Austin punk compilation album Live at Raul's.