DRAIN
There is no mistaking it. Santa Cruz, California hardcore outfit DRAIN is one of the biggest things going in the scene right now. And they are very deserving of it. They just released their second full length album ‘Living Proof’ on Epitaph Records. Drain members Sammy Ciaramitaro (Vox), Cody Chavez (Guitar), Tim Flegal (Drums) Sam Jameson (Bass) held no punches when making this album. And now they are taking their high energy thrash infused hardcore across the country on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour.
DRAIN rolled into Denver on a Tuesday night for a sold out show at The Marquis Denver. From the jump DRAIN brought the fun and intensity you would expect. This was one of the wildest shows I have seen in a while. They strongly encourage crowd participation from stage dives to grabbing the mic and singing along. Even inviting as many as they could fit on the stage for the last song. The energy never let up. From start to finish it was pure pandemonium but in a good way. Bottom line, DRAIN is all about having fun and that is exactly what you get. A fun time.
DRUG CHURCH
Full discloser here. I have only listened to Drug Church a handful of times. I have always enjoyed and respected their post-hardcore, punk rock style, but it was never really something I just gravitated too. But after seeing them live, I now have a whole new level of respect for them and what they do. Watching the crowd go off really made me question myself and what I was missing this whole time. I totally get it now and was won over that night.
Drug Church members consist of Patrick Kindlon (Vox), Nick Cogan (Guitar), Cory Galusha(Guitar), Pat Wynne (Bass) & Chris Villeneuve (Drums). The group is as solid as you can be live. The musicianship is very noticeable and they really know how to get the crowd involved which makes for a great time. My homework now is to listen to more Drug Church. Starting with their latest album Hygiene, released through Pure Noise Records in 2022. Next time they are in town I will be ready to sing along with the rest of the crowd.
MSPAINT
I was so stoked to finally see MSPAINT play live. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi band made up of Deedee (Vox), Randy Riley (Bass), Nick Panella (Synthesizers), Quinn Mackey (Drums) blend the sounds of punk, synth, and hip-hop into their own unique style. This sound can be heard on their Convulse Records 2023 release ‘Post-American’. Not exactly sure what category of music you can put MSPAINT into but it doesn’t matter. The hardcore scene loves them.
The live performance of MSPAINT is everything I had hoped for. They fueled the crowed as fans bounced and moshed around with the occasional stage dive. With their sound It’s very easy to lose yourself in the moment and rock out. With MSPAINT their music and message really speaks for itself. You just need to listen and I’m positive you will be hooked. I really look forward to seeing where they take their sound from here.
TORENA
Hailing from Oxnard California, TORENA kicked the night off in true hardcore fashion. I didn’t know what to expect from this up and coming four piece. Band members Julien Urias (Guitar,Vox), Mika Ryan (Bass), Dante Denoms (Guitar), David Stalsworth (Drums) deliver a heavy hardcore sound that has all the great styles. Heavy riffs mixed with fast circle pit flavor and crushing breakdowns. And I can’t forget to mention plenty of gang vocals. You can hear this on the bands two releases, Cerebellum Prison(2021) and Evil Eyez(2023) through Daze Style .
TORENA set the night off by whipping the crowd into a frenzy, giving off the same intensity the crowd had. That energy did not let up once throughout their entire set. I found myself smiling at the reaction they got because if this is what the future of hardcore is then it is looking bright. I look forward to seeing what comes next for TORENA as they forge their way into the Hardcore scene. If you want a taste of what they bring check out their video for the track ‘Stand Your Ground’.
Article & All Photos by Ethan Cook EMCookPhotography
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