In 1996, Joe Grillo and Ed McNamara started writing songs together. Both were in heavy, cerebral bands at the time: Grillo in New Hampshire emo math metal powerhouse Stricken for Catherine, McNamara in the Worcester, Massachusetts act Iris. Both wanted to play a more stripped-down, straight ahead sort of heavy rock music than the magnum opuses their previous bands were known for. As they solidified their approach and added a rhythm section, they began to consider what their nascent band should be named.

On August 7, Washington DC ska-punks KILL LINCOLN will release 'Can't Complain' their first new album in 5 years. "Confession Obsession" the album's first single, is out now.

As soon as the state of Pennsylvania gave the green light to reopen during the Covid-19 pandemic, DON’T SLEEP immediately took advantage to record the video “Refine Me,” an anthem about how to come out stronger on the other side. Vocalist Dave Smalley insists that, “We need to take inspiration from those that try to bring us down. Either through work, or family, or sadly in music - we get hurt in life, we all feel pain. People will betray you and as the old saying goes, ‘what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’ echoes that truth, and “Refine Me” acts as a reminder to remember that.

Sophia Greenberg and Tyler Asay left a Philly open mic night at 4 a.m. and started a band. That nocturnal split decision defines Riverby at its core, a power-pop outfit fueled by teenage optimism and the timeless power of a punchy one-liner. Bassist Doug Keller was scooped up during a smoke break between sets, and Dan Nazario joined soon after on drums. Smart Mouth, the band’s debut album, came together much like their lineup—sporadically, then all at once. And like Riverby’s beginnings, Smart Mouth shows confident noise sometimes emerges from the darkest of hours.

"I’ll Figure This Out," Barely Civil’s sophomore full-length, offers temporary solutions to this existential concern. With Chris Teti (TWIABP, Fiddlehead) joining as producer, the band’s massive live energy translates into concise, yet expansive arrangements. “Box for My Organs” slams sonic triumph against plainspoken self-doubt. Grief and guilt are on the same plane in “Bottom of the Lake,” while the band contemplates the sustainability of burning their twenties at both ends on “The Worst Part of December.”