Written by Andy Katz

On March 12th, I got word from my principal that school would close for two weeks. On March 23rd, I was told that schools were closed for the rest of the year. As a first-year teacher, I was absolutely crushed. However, I’ve had a lot of time between virtual Zoom lessons to discover new bands that are going to make their way into the scene in a way that’s both unique and historic during this moment in time. Here are five bands you should know right now.

1. Initiate 

Initiate is absolutely going to make an impact on hardcore. Their arrangements are all about building anticipation and cutting grooves. Based out of SoCal, this band is making waves and causing earthquakes. They were set to play Wild Rose Hardcore Fest with Knocked Loose, Madball, and DRAIN among many others. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused its cancellation, but still, that’s a hell of a show right there. I would bet that anyone who would’ve watched their set would immediately become a fan. They have that classic 90s hardcore feel, but they make it their own, and it absolutely shreds. I’ve just discovered them in 2020 and have listened to their entire discography stemming back to 2018 multiple, multiple times. If they ever find their way to Virginia Beach, I’ll be right in the front praying I don't get swallowed up by the crowd. 

Check out their Bandcamp page here.

2. Paledusk

Paledusk is an absolutely incredible band from Fukuoka, Japan. They recently released “Happy Talk” and are currently signed to Triple Vision Entertainment, based out of Japan. This EP shreds. The last track, “Lights” is the standout track. The song surrounds a juggernaut of a lead that carries the entire song. The band isn’t afraid to flex their electronic-core muscles, as showcased on the track, “Happy Days.” The songs are controlled chaos. Arrangements change very frequently, but the heaviness of the EP keep it all together, providing the listener with an EP that’ll challenge the conventional post-hardcore band. One of my favorite EPs of the year for sure. 

3. Charmer

Charmer has been on my radar since they released their self-titled debut LP. Based out of Marquette, Michigan, Charmer has built and sustained a dedicated fan base throughout the country. They recently released their sophomore effort, “Ivy,” through No Sleep Records. It is one of the most forthright, sincere, and meaningful records that has come out this year. There is an enthusiasm behind this band that is so wholehearted, I get choked up when listening to certain songs. Tracks such as “Wolf Fang Fist” and “Floral” (from their debut LP) are incapable of dishonesty. They have that Snowing-type guitar feel that twinkles throughout each song, taking the spotlight in each complex progression that has made me a dedicated, and lifelong fan. Their social media game is on point, constantly engaging with fans. They seem super approachable, and combined with killer music,  they will excel in this scene and become a staple before you know it. Mazel-tov to No Sleep for signing another fantastic band.

4. FRND CRCL

“Internet Noise,” the sophomore LP from FRND CRCL has so many tracks destined to be played at future Emo Nights, it’s actually a little ridiculous. Every song is accessible. Every song has choruses and verses that you can scream and sing to. Every track just feels good. Every track feels nostalgic. That’s the formula: pop-punk that intertwines those ‘04 emo elements so seamlessly, that you just know this is something of superior quality. So many tracks have ended up on editorial playlists, and for good reason—FRND CRCL has made a record that will last through a scene that changes with great frequency. The production on this record really helped with that too. It’s not plastic and manufactured. It feels genuine. That authenticity is why this band is going to be on the main stage of the next variation of whatever Warped Tour is for the future. 

5. Driveways 

A year or so ago, I was in Boston getting a tattoo. As I was chatting with the artist, Driveways came on over the speakers. I was like, “You know this band?!” He always told me that everyone in the shop has been listening to them. Coming from Sachem City, Massachusetts, Driveways has been a staple on every playlist I’ve made since I found them in 2017. They have a very healthy Spotify monthly listener count peeking over 112,000. Their cover of Lil Uzi’s “XO Tour Llif3” has garnered over 2,000,000 plays. They put out multiple EP’s that don’t have a filler song. My personal favorite, “Drop Dead,” is immediately attention grabbing. The hook on the chorus is undeniably an earworm. That song has garnered over 1,000,000 streams. Looking past numbers, these dudes are destined to become fan favorites of the scene.