Post NC, Box Combo, No Slaw, Extra Sauce
Nut-core. We’ll let you figure out your own definition for that one, but musically, it’s what Post NC self identifies its sound as. It’s an unpredictable cocktail that encompasses improv, jazz, math rock and lo-fi. The quartet consists of Leo Berenguel on keys, Daniel Duran on drums, guitarist Samuel Ramierez, and an unidentified fourth member referred to as “HIM,” who serves as a frog impersonator during their live performances. Call it whatever you guys want—just give us more.
Sani Bronco, Sani Bronco
Just back from its East Coast summer tour, bedroom-born indie rock project Sani Bronco dropped a self-titled debut that’s pure, unfiltered spirit. No forced themes here—just an eclectic mix of tracks that are meant to be a listening journey, visualized by founder David Medina’s illustrations on the cover. The band’s self-coined “west coast adobe rock” concept is straightforward, yet fully realized. The lyrics are chantable, the hooks irresistible and the surprises enthralling.
Peaceful Retreat, “Voyager 1”
Post-rock outfit Peaceful Retreat blasts off its latest single “Voyager 1,” and it’s the ultimate introspection music. Imagine locking into a loop of thought, zoning out but delving deep. This track breeds the same contemplative state thanks to its lengthy instrumental moments, rhythmic distortions and sound layering. The music video, shot and edited by local filmmaker Shahab Zargari, is set in 1977 and sepia-toned, yet it ventures beyond our earthly bounds. As the long-haired band members jam on, their tone reflects the song’s cosmic essence.
Thousand Wayz 2 Die, Sin City
Las Vegas hardcore just doesn’t quit. On Thousand Wayz 2 Die’s July EP Sin City, the band reps its city by going louder and faster. Featuring local groups Wristmeetrazor, Khasm and Anguish Cry, the seven-track project is abrasive (just as hardcore punk should be) and speeds through with an evil villainy, delivering an intensity that reflects the gritty spirit of its hometown.
ChiefDVB and Wave MMLZ, B.Rose and more, You Deserve Better 2
Released in June, You Deserve Better 2 is a local collaboration featuring 10 tracks of head-nodding beats and steady flows, reminiscent of ‘90s boom rap with its vintage-style drum hits and funky swings. ChiefDVB and Wave MMLZ anchor the project, while vocal additions from B.Rose on “Lavender Heightz” and Jerico Levi on “Angelz In Anaheim’’ go beyond. Richie Rizo’s cover art complements this North Vegas homage. This is independent hip-hop at its finest, so listen up.
Twin Cities, Shuteye
Here’s one for the real Southwest emos. Dropped in July, Twin Cities’ Shuteye EP feels like autumn and begs to be enjoyed on a late-night drive to nowhere. The instrumentation is seasoned. Guitars sound both melodic and progressive, percussion shimmers with precise chaos and the bass lines are grounding. Frontman Macario Gutierrez’s voice underscores woeful and bright moments in each song, especially on our repeat favorite, “Patience.”
Secos, “Rendido a tus Pies”
Local rock en español takes a hopeless romantic turn on Secos’ single from May, “Rendido a tus Pies.” The alt-rock band’s song plays as a confessional to the universal feeling of unrequited love. It’s brought to life in an accompanying music video. As a young couple walks about a carnival, a young man unknowingly turns into a clown during the romantic pursuit while the band follows along in their own garish payaso costumes. Love makes us all fools, and this is the perfect soundtrack to clown to.
Sakura, Demo from Hell
Five minutes is all raw punk band Sakura needed to tell us what they’re about on its latest release. Demo from Hell is tagged as “evil duende rock” on its Bandcamp page. Considering that “duende” means “gnome” … yeah, that makes sense. The three tracks are heavy on d-beat influences and frantically display the band’s crust punk roots while developing their own complexities in songwriting. It’s fast, it’s fun and it shakes something alive within us.
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