Flagstaff Stomp

    Another great chance to work with an amazing AZHC band, Penalty Box, solid dudes playing some heavy, but youthcrew informed hardcore out of Flagstaff AZ. Solid dudes playing fun aggressive music, that is just enjoyable. Seeing this band, interacting with the members, and being able to sit and talk with them was a great learning experience. This band is in fact full of bonafide genuine guys. They've done a release with the Band Vibes from Canada, as well as two of their own releases. This is a little bit of what we talked about:

You have a good sound, and have some familiar draws. What bands influenced you most in your writing and playing?
     "I’m usually seeking musical guidance from bands I feel have healthy doses of negativity and stubbornness… primarily Neglect, Cold World, Bulldoze. I’m also trying to be a little more poetic with my lyricism by adding elements from bands like More Than Life or Turning Point for the sake of Sam’s riff-writing style...I also kinda copy vocal patterns of snippets of any song from any hardcore subgenre. Near the end of ‘Genie In A Bottle’ I take inspiration from a small part of Stout’s ‘Shaved for Battle’... Since we’ve always played in D Standard as opposed to E Standard my riff writing has kind of been all over the place but overall a lot of the Penalty Box songs I’ve written, the guitar and bass parts for draw influence from a slew of late 2000s/early 2010s democore stuff. Basically the entire era of hardcore where every album cover had either cartoon characters, bubbly graffiti font or a rip of the Floorpunch mosher guy."

What bands got you into hardcore?
     Carter: "First hardcore band I ever saw at age like 14 or 15 was Redeemer. They randomly threw on this big show at the Nile theater with synthy metalcore bands. They stuck out like a sore thumb, sounding a bit like Verse, and I particularly loved the ample use of two-steps at that time. I didn’t even care that they were a Christian band either...Listening to or seeing that style was pretty dormant for me until I discovered all the other AZHC heavyweights like 7serpents, Beg For Life, Brothers In Arms, Reasons, and Spill My Blood, and saw them all at Dust Fest II later that year. The rest was history."
     Sam: "The first legitimate hardcore band I listened to was a band called Set It Straight from Redding (they did a split 7” with local legends Where Eagles Dare). One of the first friends I made from the Phoenix area back when I was living in Flagstaff as a youngin inadvertently put me onto them during a time when I was mostly listening to heavier metalcore stuff. As I started going to more shows in Flagstaff I started listening to some of the bands my friends who went to shows listened to and talked about, which were a lot of 2000s bands like Ruiner, Verse, Have Heart, Life Long Tragedy, Sinking Ships, etc. A noteworthy thing about core kids from Flagstaff was that their musical tastes pretty much spanned the entire spectrum of aggressive music from straight edge, youthcore, all the way to Killwhitneydead, which was kind of cool as a 17 year old becoming involved with all of it since I kind of got a feel for everything from the get go and could decide pretty early on what I liked and didn’t like."

Can you discuss the lyrical content of your songs, what message is the band hoping to convey?

     "A lot of our songs are written from a personal standpoint about our own selfish grievances toward the self-involved and disrespectful ways people choose to lead their lives. None are about specific people per se, but they all focus on bad habits and shitty actions we’ve either witnessed or were on the receiving end of throughout our lives. Some lyrics serve as a warning about how peoples’ behavior can impact those around them and ultimately themselves. We want it coming across as a suggestion to look at the big picture, and better one’s self in the process, rather than pompously telling people the way they live that we may feel is ‘wrong’, is the bottom line, because a second set of eyes could always use a third set of eyes. But then again, I might say screw it and go full dickhead for the next release."

You recently played with Skarhead and Desert Dweller, what was that like?

     "The Skarhead show was cool! We don’t really listen to Skarhead much, but knowing who the members are, and the role they played among other NYHC bands from that time made it one for the bucket list (plus they were total characters onstage and their banter with one another kept things interesting). Their DJ kept playing trap horns and this “I love cocaine!!!” soundbyte repeatedly.. they’re a total riot. Brick By Brick also played that show, and they’re just straight up heavy and sick as hell.
     As for Desert Dweller, we went for the 3-peat, which was cool because Matt has always been down to make sure we were playing every year. Big fat shoutout to the whole Desert Dweller crew for always doing their thing and showing everyone a good time. We went into this one knowing it was going to be our last show for a while since all of us have other projects to focus on, so we knew the energy would be a little bit different between the band because of that. Everyone still showed out, represented Arizona to the fullest, and made it a memorable experience. It’s always a fun time running into our buddies in Drain as well.. it’s so sick seeing them absolutely tear up the place."

What’s been the most interesting show you’ve played?

     "One show we still laugh about to this day, took place in Flagstaff at Firecreek back in July 2018. Besides us, every band on the bill was either a pop punk or alt type band. We were kind of out of our element being on this mixed bill, but hopped on anyways cuz Sam’s good homies in Dead Lakes from WA played, and we wanted to get it in with them during their visit.

One band in particular had these shit-eating kids with agents and photographers present. That honestly wouldn’t have mattered but they were acting a little too Hollywood for the coffee shop venue’s 50-head turnout, and a little too Hollywood towards us- pretending to forget our names and laughing about it. I remember asking those dudes a few questions trying to make conversation, and their manager(?) or whatever was answering for them. I don’t know.. we didn’t get radio play on KUPD so I guess the joke’s on us.

Well, anyways, all our Flagstaff guys rolled out for our set and got appropriately rowdy, as Flagstaff does. Kids getting moshed on top of tables, some high school bully came and got clocked badly, Carter’s boss from the Ice Rink and Jesse’s coworker from the hospital came out of curiosity, and all this busy activity kept us all smiling and having a fun night. 

The photographer of the Hollywood band was taking pictures of every set, and while she got pretty good shots of everybody else, the photos of our set were all taken from a chair in the back corner of the room. It was basically 38 of the exact same wide angle photo of the whole stage.

It was just beautifully controlled chaos in this otherwise quiet, little coffee spot."

What role do you feel punk/hardcore plays in social and political movements?

     "Hardcore’s a powerful outlet and platform for anybody who is passionate about a viewpoint they wish to defend in a healthy way. Acknowledging social issues, and unifying with one another to foster change in the hard-headed spirit of hardcore creates an atmosphere of solidarity for those who may share the same viewpoint without really having the means to express it. Giving misguided, confused, or oppressed people a voice, and a reason to aggressively express their feelings with that voice, is something that is relatable to many other folks within the circle and builds strength to take on the world/their issues together. That, right there, has always been the most important aspect of it, at least in my opinion." 

     "Militant-minded people are crucial to any hardcore scene, because they help encourage us to say what we mean with utmost conviction. Advocating movements in hardcore also kickstarts the desire to get educated on current issues, so we can draw our own conclusions and know exactly what we’re fighting for. Anyone can yell on about “fuck this, fuck that”, and strength in numbers will always help us hinder oppressive forces. Real, long-lasting change, however, comes from those who not only follow the right path but know why they’re following that path as well. Thankfully, Arizona’s hardcore scene has no shortage of these types of role models."

Do you have any new projects or musical efforts coming down the pike?

   "At the moment we’re taking a bit of a break from the band because we’re all working on other projects, but rest assured this isn’t the end for Penalty Box. Sam is playing bass for Construct (just played FYA) and doing Decided Advantage Fanzine, both of which he is grinding hard at. Austin and Nathan have a powerviolence-centric side project as well as a heavier hardcore project in the works called Cradle (keep your eyes majorly wide open). Carter is also dabbling in a new, heavy project with some Flag and Phoenix homies called Full Immunity. There’s clearly still a ton of musical inspiration alive within all of us, but in due time, Penalty Box’s hibernation will end, and we’ll have something in the works. We’re just rolling with things as of right now, so we’re still down to play a cool show if the opportunity presents itself."

What’s are some books, movies, and music the band has been getting into you feel others should definitely check out?

     "This may sound like a shameless plug but Decided Advantage Fanzine is a piece of literature you truly want to be reading for your ‘in-the-know’. Otherwise we can’t really read. Carter is patiently waiting for season 4 of ‘Better Call Saul’ to hit Netflix. ‘Pen15’ and ‘I Think You Should Leave’ are a couple great current shows we’ve been into lately. 

Now BANDS.. Some personal favorites as of late have been Amy Winehouse, Dojo Cuts, Silver Jews, Narrow Head, Diztort, VOD, Life of Agony, and still any 90’s/00’s beatdown. (Trying hard to cover all bases here). I told myself 2020 would be the year of change as I try to find more easy-listening for longer car rides, but I always find myself coming back to beatdown, smh.

Other tight up-and-comers to check out that we like include True Form, Apsara, Figure, Wise, End On End, Big Laugh, Shining Hour.

Last but not least, shoutouts to our AZHC kin making GOOD new music. Check out War Prison, Incentive, Concrete Evidence, Slow Descent, Get a Grip, Mad World, Pedistal of Infamy, Easy Money, Pointbreak, Beg For Life, and Arm’s Reach."

This interview was one that I thoroughly enjoyed, and am grateful to these guys for being willing to do. This band puts on for AZHC in all capacities. Give them a listen, a follow, and keep your eyes peeled for the many other musical projects the members have going.

Follow the band on social media:

Twitter

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Bandcamp

Just Another Day- N.E.G. Review

Triple-B Records had a banner year in 2019, releasing a slew of important albums. Perhaps the biggest jewel in label head Sam Yarmuth’s 2019 hardcore crown is Never Ending Game’s debut LP, Just Another Day. The Michigan band features past members of notable acts like True Love, Freedom and Detain. Their experience shines through on Just Another Day. The album is fully formed and executed to near-perfection.

NEG’s sound is a total throwback to mid-90’s New York. There are elements of Merauder’s speed, Crown of Thornz’ groove, and a whole lot of whatever Bulldoze does. There’s a liberal dose of Cold as Life, NEG’s hometown heroes, thrown in as well. NEG almost always forgo modern chugging breakdowns in favour of slam parts or old-fashioned double-time ass beatings. Most heavy bands these days have some sort of metalcore influence, so it’s refreshing to hear a band get ignorant without pulling from the same tired well. The songs on Just Another Day are straight up hardcore, but they will no doubt have kids beating the piss out of each other at shows and accidentally kicking holes through their bedroom drywall.

Just Another Day is roughly divided in two parts. The first four songs are linear and conventional in structure. They’re no-nonsense tough guy anthems that stick to the formula and pull it off. This side is highlighted by the album’s two singles – the eternally catchy “Puppet”, and “God Forgives…”, which has arguably the album’s best mosh part.

After four incredibly strong tracks comes “N.E.G. Jamz”, a groove-metal interlude in the vein of “Loading…” from the band’s debut EP.  The interlude works as a palate-cleanser, but doesn’t add a whole lot on its own. It would have been more interesting to see this style explored on a full song.
The second half of Just Another Day is where NEG start to take a couple chances.  It kicks off with “Bleeding”, the first of two previously released tracks. The song marks a shift in lyrical content. While the first half of Just Another Day deals with the outside world, the second half turns the lens inward. Self-harm, addiction, death and suicide are all tackled in a no-nonsense, melodrama-free approach. There’s more musical experimentation here too. “Bleeding” and “Stolen Life”, specifically, wind through different tempos and keys. The B-side is punctuated by melodic parts a la Master Killer or, more appropriately, Irate’s “Vendetta”. The album is capped off by “1 of Those Nights”—its boldest and most emotional offering. The track is the definite highlight of the second half, if not Just Another Day entirely.

The songs on Just Another Day are great, but a few little touches make the album pop. The track sequencing is perfect. The production is light-years ahead of NEG’s previous output, especially on the drums and vocals. The only thing I don’t like is the album art, which seems a bit cluttered to me. A minor complaint for an otherwise stellar album. I haven’t been able to stop listening to Just Another Day since it came out in October. This album was in everyone’s 2019 top 10 list for good reason.

This review was written by: Vince Guglielmi January 2, 2020

Follow Never Ending Game and any news on them on Social Media:
Twitter: @NevaEndinGame
Instagram: triplebrecords
Facebook: Triple B Records
Bandcamp: https://neverendinggame.bandcamp.com/

What I've Learned

This a bit different of an entry for this week. I wanted to take a moment and talk about what I’ve learned, and how I’ve grown because of this subculture and it’s music. I got into more aggressive and, unbeknownst to me, hardcore-adjacent music. Since a young age I’d been drawn to ska-punk and punk music, as well as some thrash and other guitar music. At around 17 I started to get into really adjacent bands, or bands that had ties to hardcore. Some of my favorite bands for a long time were The Devil Wears Prada, Taking Back Sunday, and August Burns Red. Prior to that I was listening to The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and several other punk bands. As I grew into other musical styles, I discovered hardcore and felt more alive and apart of something attending the shows than I’d ever felt before.

In this community I found more belonging than in religion, in school, or anywhere else. Another thing that I’ve gained from this is a love for activism, social and political awareness, and art. It is in this that I’ve discovered a love for creativity. Here I’ve found my reason and my purpose in life. That is to defy and question everything. It is because of bands like Bane, Gorilla Biscuits, Rotting Out, Trapped Under Ice, and Angel Du$t that I’ve found the ability to write and create something meaningful, at the very least, to me.

I’ve not done this blog for long, but I have done it enough to see the results. It is also because of this that I’ve been able to make friends. The other amazing thing I’ve learned is the fact that no matter who, what, or where you are, you have the ability to create, belong, and contribute to the overall progression of this subculture. I love hardcore and I love what it’s taught me. I still have so much to learn, but what I’ve learned so far is that it is what you attempt with what you have that matters most.

What I find most interesting, especially in scenes like AZHC, is the variety of sounds, styles, and preferences of hardcore. Even with these varying preferences, I feel elated by the fact that, for 15-30 minutes, that doesn’t matter. What matters is the feeling, the emotions, and the message. There are bands that have political messages, ones that talk about difficult lives, frustration, being straight edge/addiction, and many other important and moving things. However, the fans and kids that support the scene are able to put whatever preferences and differences in music aside and just have a solid time and create a space where you can let off any negative energy in a positive way. This is crucial, and what drives much of hardcore, in my personal opinion, to continue to be such a groundbreaking and inclusive subculture. It creates a space for influence from everyone and does all it can to have a positive and beneficial impact on the people that belong to it. Hardcore isn’t for everyone, but for those that belong and find it a place of peace and are willing to call it home, it’s rewarding and has so much to offer.

I've never loved anything as much as I love this, and I’m lucky to be a part of it.

Too Blessed to Stress about what you think.

 This past October I had the humbling experience to chat with Sammy from DRAIN. We talked about DRAIN’s growing success, their influences, signing to Rev Records, as well as touring, making music, and being with friends. I want to take a moment and just talk about Sammy’s character. In the few minutes that we talked, and the initial introduction, I was thoroughly impressed with his demeanor and genuine kindness. I felt immediately comfortable talking. It was easy to tell that he felt confidence and comfortable in his skin and in his music. He talked about the adventures Drain, Gulch, and Hands of God have had and just how much of a blast it's been seeing the music have an impact on people.

          What happened that caused the Rev Deal?

          “Honestly, a buddy of ours introduced us to one of their friends that had just started working at rev. So anytime we recorded something we’d send it to him, but it wasn’t until Sound and Fury that it clicked. After our set I was selling some shirts and he ran over frantic and said ‘That’s it, I’m in! Let’s do it!’ So we signed to rev.”

           What do you want people to get out of Drain?

“Honestly, I want them to feel [the music] in their fucking belly, in their gut. I just want people to feel free and feel energized. Just get into it… Anybody can do whatever they want with a little can-do attitude.”

What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you think people should be checking out?

            “Check out bands from the Bay Area. Jawstruck just put out an ep that I love, they have a message- a lot to say. There's just so much!”

What influences or sound were you looking for with DRAIN?

“Honestly, so the thing with DRAIN is that when the band started I wasn’t even an original member. Instead, it was kind of like the band that you and your buddies make in high school and then things kinda change and you meet new people and start a second band. That was this band. We started out trying to [do] a sleazy Motörhead, but then we kinda decided to start [doing] some more heavy hardcore with solid cross over...it’s mostly about doing something fun, something new, and something we haven’t done before.”

What’s the best part of touring?

“For real, the best part isn’t the drive, the food, the shows- I love all of that!- but it’s the chance I have to be with my brothers, my best friends. Honestly it wouldn’t work if it were any other way. We just want to have fun! We’ll sleep in the van, someone on the floor, on the seat, on the roof, doors open under the stars. It’s like camping but so much more fun.”

How has this blow-up made the band feel?

“It’s so surreal, it doesn’t feel like reality. Like you dreamt about it, thought about it, and wanted things to happen as a kid. That’s kind of what it’s like now, and now we get a chance to see this all come to be.”

 “Seeing how the music impacts people is crazy.We have kids dancing, singing along, coming and telling us about how our music influenced them to start getting better at their music. It’s so cool, and it’s really emotional-like it makes me feel so happy.”

Being given the chance to speak with Sam about music, touring, and life was a really cool experience. He is honestly one of the nicest, humblest, and most genuine people I’ve spoken to. His love and interest for hardcore in both his local scene and the worldwide community of hardcore has shown me, even more, that this is more than music and lyrics.

Sam mentioned that DRAIN would be dropping some new stuff at some point. So pay attention and keep a lookout for it. I typically have nothing but positive feeling for bands that I speak to, and DRAIN and Sammy are no different. I urge everyone to listen to the 2018 Promo and the other music they’ve put out. It’s fun, ass shaking, blisteringly fast, heavy hardcore.

Follow the Band on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drain831

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drain831/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drain831

Bandcamp: https://drain831.bandcamp.com/

Concrete Evidence Mother Fuckers

AZHC the realest. Concrete Evidence is the freshest installment of the Tucson chapter of this scene, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. I first started talking with the band following the Desert Dweller recaps, and since then I’ve learned a bit about this band that just seems to be nothing short of genuine.

CE mix 90’s and new school hardcore. They have a slight rap/hip hop bounciness to the vocals, while also mixing in the hard hitting edginess of 90’s bands. The band in both the recording and live performances have solid chemistry and a tightness that could be compared to career and strictly professional musicians. The band was kind enough to do an interview with me as well.

What got you into hardcore?
Honestly I really can’t remember. I know when I was younger I was more into punk bands but never really had a connection with it. Wasn’t till I found more traditional hardcore bands that the lyrics started really hitting home for me. It was more relatable. So maybe it was the message that got me into it.

What bands have been the most influential in the writing process for the band?
For the demo I wanted to do a band like No Warning, Madball but with some Lockin Out tossed in the mix. I felt no one was really trying to touch that style of hardcore and it happens to be my favorite.

What message do you hope to convey with your lyrics?
The songs are just my take on things that have happened in my personal life. If CE actually has a message though, I would want people to take away that we’re a “real” band. Not only do we all love music but we all love and are excited about hardcore. CE will always be for Arizona hardcore. We’re not trying to ride on a gimmick or trying to be a “hard” band. We’re just hardcore kids from Arizona that will always put on for Arizona.

How has hardcore shaped you all as individuals and your view of the world?
I think hardcore can really be an eye opener for people who feel lost in the world. I know that’s what it did for me. You have both sides of a negative and positive outlook. For me, personally, it shaped me to see that the world is a harsh place. But so what? You’re either gonna let it crush you or you can push back. To quote the cro-mags “That's the life, the life I've lead. What can I do? Life's hard so, I gotta be hard too.”

What’s been the best part of being a Tucson band?
Three of us are from the Tucson Hardcore scene and two are from up here in Scottsdale/Salt River. I moved up here a couple of years ago for work. So the line up is kind of all over the place. But I think what’s very sick about Tucson Hardcore is the kids. Tucson lives and breathes hardcore. The kids are just excited to have bands come through. Weather it’s a big named band or a band that only has a demo out. The shows always have an energy small or big and the shows always set off. It’s cool to see that, instead of kids standing far away from the band with their arms folded. Also Tucson rides hard for their local bands which is fucking sick. Yeah technically we might have our foot in both doors having members in both Tucson and the Phoenix area but Tucson has welcomed us with open arms and it’s sick. Shout out Get A Grip, Crossfire, War Prison, Troubled. Also shout out the Phoenix bands in Construct, Penalty Box, Bloody Ways. All good AZHC.

What have you listened to, read, or watched lately that you believe deserves attention?
Damn that’s a good question when it comes to watched lately. I saw that movie “Blinded by the Light” it’s about a guy in England who finds Bruce Springsteen music and how it changes his outlook on life. It’s a really good movie. Feel like it kinda falls into the previous question about how music can shape you and your view of the world. Very good movie.

Awhile ago I bought X-Man Grand Design and Second Genesis. I think they look fucking beautiful. But more importantly I also want to give a shout out to my friend Sam Fishel. He does a zine called “Decided Advantage” I think he’s working on issue #2 now? He’s a good dude and doing some cool shit with his zine so everyone support that and pick up a copy.

As for listening I gotta go with War Prison from Tucson. That shit is HARD! Good dudes playing some sick ass hardcore straight out of Tucson. Check that shit out if you haven’t! 

You put out a demo earlier this year, what’s the next step? Is there some more music coming soon?
We’re in the talks of putting out a split with another band. Hopefully we record by December and have it out earlier next year. Hopefully play more shows as well.

What are the bands collective top 5 records that define what people that like your sound should check out.
No Warning - Ill Blood
Madball - Set It Off
Cro-Mags - Alpha and Omega
The Wrongside - Of the Grave
Crown of Thornz - Train Yard Blues

When it comes to Tucson bands and the overall mix of bands in AZHC I have to say, this is such a diverse area. Of all the bands I’ve been listening to this year, CE, War Prison, and several others have been the bands I loved listening to the most. Production value and overall sound exude fun and good times. I think the best part of CE specifically is the fact that the members are writing and playing music that they want to hear, this is something you hear from many other bands. But I think that this is the part that genuinely sets them apart, they are in this to have fun, show appreciation, and send out good times and fun shows in the process. It’s truly friends that love music getting together to play some great songs.

Support the Band:

Bandcamp: https://concreteevidenceaz.bandcamp.com/releases

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEbandazhc?lang=en

What On Earth Can We Do - Abuse of Power Review

 Atlanta’s Abuse of Power has been one of the better melodic hardcore bands in recent memory. Their debut LP What on Earth Can We Do? was released on Triple-B earlier this year. It’s a strong record, but is it the best of the band’s catalog?

The guys at Axe to Grind Podcast nailed down Abuse of Power’s sound when premiering the album’s best track, “May 1st”. To paraphrase, AOP borrows heavily from late 80’s/early 90’s melodic hardcore in the vein of Turning Point and Four Walls Falling – straight edge bands with fast, trotting beats, who separated themselves from youth crew by injecting Revolution Summer style melodies. The band’s first EP, 2017’s When Then Becomes Now, was a truly formidable introduction. What on Earth… is a big step forward in a lot of ways.

Producer CJ Ridings knocked What on Earth out of the park. The drums are the obvious production highlight -- they’re mixed perfectly and sound super full. The guitar tones are pleasant. Ridings really nailed the Turning Point “melodic hardcore” sound, with an even cleaner modern sheen. I believe this album puts Abuse of Power in the conversation with tone monsters Fury and Ecostrike for ‘best guitar tone of the genre’ consideration.

What on Earth… also marks a shift in the band’s songwriting formula. Every one of the songs on the EP was built around a big, catchy riff. The new material relies more on dynamics than melody. There’s lots of open space. The parts stop and start seamlessly. The drumming builds and swells behind walls of guitar feedback, before unleashing in full gallop mode. These galloping bursts are where you can really hear AOP’s improvements in musicianship. The band has sped up, with the guitarists adding an extra 32nd note to their palm-muted assaults. The rhythm section is locked in and super tight. The trademark riffing isn’t totally gone. It’s just more complementary, adding to the melody instead of being the basis for entire songs. I guess it would be hard to translate their old songwriting approach to a 10-song full length and have every riff bang like the riffs on the EP.

AOP’s new approach seems, on the one hand, more mature and artistic. On the other hand, it’s lost some of the fun elements that made the EP so great. The dance parts are few and far between, and there certainly aren’t any blatant singalong moments in the vein of the EP’s title track. I believe the EP will – rightly or wrongly – be remembered as the classic material. Dancing and singalongs are what draw hardcore kids to hardcore. Does that make the EP better? Not necessarily. It’s up to the listener to decide if they prefer catchy bursts of unrefined youthful energy or a slicker, streamlined, artistic outpouring.

Regardless, What on Earth… is a great record. Anyone who appreciates speed, melody, or great production will find something to hang their hat on.

Written by Vince Guglielmi Nov. 13, 2019

Support the Band:
Bandcamp: https://abuseofpower.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aopfanclub?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aopfanclub/?hl=en

Life throws its punches

Recently I had the chance to meet Jon from Slowbleed following a performance in Tucson. What a great experience that was, learning about him, his music, and his involvement with the 805. It was a humbling experience and a fun conversation as well. I reached out a little later to follow up on what we talked about in Tucson and ask some other questions.

How long has Slowbleed been a band?

“Logan (Guitar) and I wrote the first Slowbleed demo in mid 2016 and did nothing with it until about a year later. I lived out of the states for some time, and it just wasn’t a possibility to be a band.”

When writing and going through the creative process do you find it difficult to come up with material?

Not at all, I really love writing and it comes rather quickly. Living with Logan, at the moment, and hearing him riff everyday keeps things fresh and moving fast.

What message do you hope listeners gain out of your music?

This last year I thought I had lost everything. Some of the people closest to me were taken from me in a terrible accident, and I struggled a lot. I made mistakes, I found moments of weakness and moments of strength. I sing for people who wake up and face the world without the people they love and need the most. On their strongest days or their weakest days.

What got you into hardcore and punk music?

I have, for as long as I can recall, been drawn in by distortion and rough-around-the-edges imagery. I can’t remember a time in my life I didn’t love old metal music videos.Anything I could get my hands on from Punk, Grunge and Nu Metal on TV, to getting Death Metal CD’s from older friends. It wasn’t until the Alpine theater in my pre/early teens that I discovered hardcore.

What influences would you list as your sound for Slowbleed?

Funny enough we grew up in a very small agricultural community and kinda had to grab on to any heavy music available to us. I specifically remember trading around death metal CD’s in my pre-teens, and it wasn’t until about age 12 that friends and I discovered Oxnard hardcore bands at skatepark shows in Ventura. Logan has always been one that can play At The Gates riffs and Ozzy. He was my one friend at school rocking Carcass and Sepultura. The riffing has always been heavily technical for a hardcore band. The goal has always been to make hardcore with metal chops and metal with hardcore intensity.

In your most recent release, the lyrics seem to be personal, visceral, and full of emotion. Can you describe the process in writing songs like ‘In the night…’ or ‘Never Been Worse’?

Like I mentioned previously, I had some major loss, and I wrote that record mostly about my struggles with missing my girlfriend Raegan at the time. I was low and needed that record to keep my head up. I hope one day those lyrics help someone else out.

Are there any other releases hitting the airwaves, or any tours?

I can tell you now, there are several Slowbleed releases laying dormant until later this year and early next year. We also do a week with Piece Of Mind on the West-Coast next week.

What has been the most and least enjoyable parts of touring?

I’m lucky to play in a band with my best friends and tour is an absolute blast being stuck in a van with my fucking brothers. That being said, all of us are very busy folks at home and work far above full time. For me stepping away from work for a week or more leads to me having to play catch up on the road.

What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you feel people need to be aware of?

805 hardcore forever. If you aren’t aware of all the sick releases coming out of this area you better educate yourself. Dead Heat, Omega Point, Minus, Downpresser and The Warriors all have new or unreleased records you can’t miss.


Speaking of music to help people get through a difficult time, the EP by this band is exactly that. Never Been Worse evokes pain, loss, and seeking hope in better times. This interview, and listening to this, couldn’t have come at a better time. I, myself, have been going through some difficulty and hearing this has brought about a feeling of connection. The release helped me further realize loss, difficulty, and tough times are occurrences that everyone goes through. This puts into words the many emotions I’ve felt over the last few weeks. With that being said, I couldn’t offer this enough for people to listen to.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlowbleedCA

Bandcamp: https://slowbleedca.bandcamp.com/