DS Show Review & Photo Gallery: C.O.I. in Chicago with Society’s Waste, Missile Strategy, Urban Guerilla, and Cueball

April 8, 2025 | 11:51 am

The underground scene hardcore scene in Chicago is alive and thriving. New DIY venues seem to pop up constantly and old established venues have a constant lineup of shows. The shows at these venues are usually minimally promoted through Instagram fliers and word of mouth and unless you know who to talk to or where to look you’ll never find them. These spaces are whatever people can throw together, whether it’s an empty apartment where rowdy crowds pull the HVAC ducts out of the walls or the back room of a restaurant with moshers pushing up against stacked tables and chairs.

The DIY scene is a breath of fresh air and an incredible testament to the resilience of the punk rock community to falling prey to the corporate greed and focus group-think that has taken over a lot of modern music especially as hardcore is probably as mainstream as it has ever been. They are and always have been a key part of the culture and many provide the younger generation an opportunity create and perform their music and tap into the community. To quote Ceremony the community is “sick of Black Flag, sick of Cro-Mags” and it’s time to pass the torch to a new group of hardcore artists to step up and decide the trajectory of the genre. Most of the bands discussed below have played few shows, with one being their first live performance. Regardless, they packed the space.

This particular show was headlined by C.O.I. (Conflict of Interest), out of Bloomington, Indiana. Until now they have mostly played local shows, getting on the line up of Bloomington’s Sound and Substance festival that put together up and coming bands from the area.

Society’s Waste (seen in the cover photo) also out of Bloomington went on before C.O.I. with a mix of original songs and covers. C.O.I. and them have played a lot together and have gotten on some bigger name lineups opening for Destiny Bond last September when they came through.

Missile Strategy out of Northwest Indiana was on before them.

Urban Guerilla, out of Chicago, showed up to play their first gig ever and it came with some first gig bumps. Cycling through three heads and two different guitars they finally got going before the guitar strap broke and they had to play from their knees.

Cueball, out of Kankakee, got things going. They were also playing one of their first shows but you wouldn’t have known. They brought the intensity that set the tone for the rest of the night. Starting out as a “what-if” scenario between two friends eventually turned into the band organizing and setting an example for small-town suburban Chicago bands inspiring other local groups to get together. Since this show they’ve been hitting Chicago opening for Lead Spirit and Matter of Fact coming up later this month.

by Staff Writer Max Rubin

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DS Slam Dunk 2025 Edition: Our Must See

April 8, 2025 | 8:00 am

For nearly two decades, Slam Dunk has been itself an ultimate cornerstone for pop-punk, emo, and alternative music fans. Through the years, its lineups have struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and new musical discoveries. Whether you were looking to relive your teens or just there to see what other bands had to offer, Slam Dunk brought bands that could pretty much please everyone. From having You Me At Six, Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, The Wonder Years, to Reel Big Fish, Architects, Hellogoodbye, Slam Dunk has proved countless times why they deserve to be visited and enjoyed with friends.

And this year makes no expectations. Slam Dunk 2025 has been something I’ve looked forward to since they started dropping announcements last year. This year’s lineup, in my personal opinion, promises to be one of the strongest yet. So whether you’re a longtime attendee or heading to your first ever Slam Dunk, many acts will demand your attention. And for that, I have looked over the line-up and written some words on what I am looking forward to this year.

Karina’s picks

Free Throw – The Key Club Stage

Many of us can agree that over the past decade, Free Throw has made an incredible mark in the emo and pop-punk scenes. With their creative lyrics, soaring melodies, and punchy instrumentation, they have become an unstoppable band that continues to grow and evolve. They have an exceptional talent for capturing the raw chaos of life—whether it’s the messy emotions of growing up or the sheer joy of finding relief, their music feels so relatable. If you haven’t had the chance to see them live yet, now is such a fantastic opportunity for us to catch them and soak in those 30 minutes of magic!

Heart Attack Man – The Key Club Stage

Honestly, Heart Attack Man is one of those bands that brings so much fun and excitement to pop-punk and emo. Their loud and gritty sound has kept their music top-notch over the years, and I can’t help but feel excited about what’s to come!

Hot Mulligan – Main Stage West

I think most people know how much I adore Hot Mulligan, but for those who don’t, this is a band I’ve longed to see live! From what I’ve gathered, their energy on stage perfectly reflects the vibes from their records. There’s something truly special about their rawness, confessional lyrics, and infectious melodies that makes it feel like they’re speaking directly to you, almost as if they understand whatever challenges you might be facing. Their music balances angst and vulnerability beautifully, inviting you to connect deeply. Imagine their live shows being cathartic, with every song feeling like an uplifting moment of release. So, if you’re at Slam Dunk, don’t think twice – make sure to catch them! I have no doubt they’ll leave a lasting, positive impression on you.

Knuckle Puck – Main Stage West

This show is a must-see because it celebrates the tenth anniversary of their album Copacetic. It’s one of the best albums of the 2010s, and I can only imagine what delights await us at their performance.

Movements – Main Stage West

Fun story: Sidsel and I attended a concert together, and I found myself reminiscing about my end-of-the-year list back in 2023. I had only just dipped my toes into Movements, barely catching a single song here and there. On our walk to the metro, Sidsel encouraged me to check out their new album, RUCKUS! From that moment on, everything changed, and now I’m so looking forward to soaking in their energy live, outdoors, surrounded by good company.

Neck Deep – Main Stage West

I can hardly contain my excitement about catching Neck Deep at Slam Dunk this year! Their self-titled album truly blew me away—it takes us back to their early roots while proving they’re still at the top of their game. I’ve already declared “Heartbreak of the Century” a real gem, and if that energy lights up the stage, we’re absolutely in for a treat! Neck Deep has a knack for delivering massive sing-alongs and crowd-moving anthems, so getting to experience them in a vibrant festival atmosphere like Slam Dunk is simply essential.

Scowl – The Key Club Stage

The year they played the Roskilde Festival, I was down with COVID. Now is my chance, and I can’t wait!

Split Chain – The Key Club Stage

I had the fantastic experience of seeing them support Trophy Eyes in October, and they truly blew me away! Their energy is phenomenal—fast, powerful, and the kind of set that makes it impossible not to move. They bring a refreshing twist to heavy music, blending hardcore, metal, and punk in such an authentic way. The riffs hit hard, the breakdowns are relentless, and you can feel the crowd buzzing with excitement. Their stage presence is simply electric, making each performance feel delightfully unpredictable. I’m really looking forward to seeing them again at Slam Dunk and losing myself in the moment!

Nick’s picks

Hot Mulligan

I’m excited to see Hot Mulligan at Slam Dunk Festival because their high-energy mix of emo and pop-punk is everything I love about live music. Their lyrics hit deep, their chaotic yet tight performances are always a blast, and I know the crowd is going to be screaming every word along with me. There’s something special about hearing songs like “Shhh! Golf is On” or “Drink Milk” and “Equip Sunglasses” live, with all the passion and humour that makes them so unique. It’s going to be loud, emotional, and absolutely unhinged in the best way possible—I can’t wait!

Scowl

Their live shows always feel raw and chaotic in the best way. Their blend of hardcore punk with a fresh, almost grungy edge makes them stand out, and Kat Moss is an incredible frontwoman who brings so much intensity to every performance. I can’t wait to be in the pit, screaming along to tracks like Bloodhound and Psychic Dance Routine, surrounded by a crowd that’s just as hyped as I am. Seeing them tear up the stage at a festival like Slam Dunk is going to be unforgettable.

Stray From The Path

Stray From The Path live is their raw, explosive energy that turns every show into an intense, high-energy experience. Their politically charged lyrics, heavy riffs, and groovy, chaotic breakdowns hit even harder in a live setting, making the crowd go wild. Their stage presence is relentless, and they have a way of making every person in the room feel fired up and part of something bigger. Whether it’s the mosh pits, the call-and-response moments, or just the sheer aggression and passion in their performance, a Stray From The Path show is always an adrenaline-fueled riot from start to finish. Slam Dunk can’t come fast enough!

South Arcade

I’ve seen the hype online and their songs are catchy as hell, but can they pull it off live? I’m desperate to say they can! One to watch this year at Slam Dunk.

Graphic Nature

The aggression in their music, combined with their unpredictable stage presence, makes for a show that feels visceral and cathartic. Tracks like Killing Floor and Into The Dark are built for moshing, and I know the crowd is going to go absolutely wild. It’s that perfect mix of heaviness and emotion that makes their live performances unforgettable!

Split Chain

Their mix of hardcore, metal, and punk influences creates an atmosphere that’s aggressive, fast-paced, and impossible to stand still in. The riffs are crushing, the breakdowns hit hard, and the crowd always goes off—mosh pits, two-stepping, and pure adrenaline. Plus, their stage presence is electric, making every performance feel unpredictable and wild. If you’re into heavy music with a DIY spirit, Split Chain live is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Alkaline Trio

THE og emos! Enough said!

Mouth Culture

Hot off the back of their shows with You Me at Six. Their blend of alt-pop and indie vibes creates such a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Their tracks have this infectious energy that just makes you want to move, and their live performances bring an extra level of rawness and emotion that you don’t get from just listening to their recordings. The way they blend dreamy melodies with punchy rhythms makes for a set that feels both euphoric and deeply personal. Plus, their stage presence is always engaging, making the whole experience feel intimate yet electrifying—like you’re part of something special in that moment.

by Staff Writer Karina Rae Selvig

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england Free Throw Hatfield Hot Mulligan Knuckle Puck

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DS x Soundboard: Movements’ Spring Tour Hits Denver (w/ Citizen, Scowl & Downward)

April 6, 2025 | 11:00 am

Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium was packed Thursday night as Movements rolled through Denver on their spring tour with Citizen, Scowl, and Downward. What followed was one of the most well-balanced, high-energy lineups we’ve seen in a while—each band bringing something different to the table without slowing the pace. Downward opened early with a set of hazy […]

Downward opened early with a set of hazy shoegaze and slow-burn tension. Scowl followed with a performance that was impossible to ignore—Kat Moss ripped the stage like she owned it, and by the time their set ended, it was clear the crowd wanted more. With their new album Are We All Angels dropping Friday, that buzz will only grow.

Citizen delivered a career-spanning set with crowd vocals nearly swallowing Mat Kerekes whole at times. And Movements? They gave Denver what it came for—opening with “Afraid to Die” and closing with “Daylily,” pulling the night to an emotional high without ever letting up.

Check out some pics from the show shot by Brock Marlborough—check that out below. For more pics and the full review, head over to our friends at Soundboard.

Scowl

Citizen

Movements

by Staff Writer Tay Hansen

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Are We All Angels citizen emo movements Punk

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DS News: New Bomb Turks and The Drowns Announce US Dates

April 4, 2025 | 2:04 pm

New Bomb Turks are coming out of the garage and getting back in the van for a run of shows along the east coast this Summer! They will be joined by Seattle punk rock ‘n ‘rollers The Drowns! Check out the dates listed below! New Bomb Turks w/ The Drowns 7/25 Magic Stick – Detroit, […]

New Bomb Turks w/ The Drowns

7/25 Magic Stick – Detroit, MI

7/26 Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH

7/27 TBA *

7/28 Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY

7/29 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

7/30 Bug Jar – Rochester, NY *

7/31 Sonia Live Music Venue – Cambridge, MA

8/01 The Meadows – Brooklyn, NY

8/02 TBA*

8/03 The Crafthouse Stage & Grill – Pittsburgh, PA

*The Drowns Only

by Staff Writer Andy Wylie

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Atomic Music Group Epitaph Garage Punk New Bomb Turks pirates press records

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DS Feature: “Are We All Angels?” Scowl, Gatekeeping, and the Future of Hardcore

April 4, 2025 | 10:00 am

By Tay Hansen, founder of Soundboard, a music media collective and creative studio.Featured image by Brock Marlborough. Scowl is one of the most exciting hardcore bands right now—and one of the most divisive. Fronted by Kat Moss, they’ve become a flashpoint for conversations around genre, gatekeeping, and the evolving face of punk and hardcore. Their […]

By Tay Hansen, founder of Soundboard, a music media collective and creative studio.
Featured image by Brock Marlborough.

Scowl is one of the most exciting hardcore bands right now—and one of the most divisive. Fronted by Kat Moss, they’ve become a flashpoint for conversations around genre, gatekeeping, and the evolving face of punk and hardcore.

Their just-dropped album Are We All Angels (via Dead Oceans) is bold, emotional, melodic, and, for some, controversial. But for many of us, it’s precisely the kind of shake-up this scene needs.

As someone who’s been part of the punk and hardcore scene since I was 13, I’ve seen firsthand how closed off it can feel—especially to girls. When I was growing up, the scene around me was overwhelmingly masculine. There was only one punk girl at my school, and while I looked up to her, most of my journey into punk, hardcore, riot grrrl, and feminist punk happened alone. I didn’t have a crew of girls to trade zines with or go to shows with. For a long time, I didn’t even know that kind of community existed.

To see that landscape change—to see artists like Kat Moss take the stage in full neon glam and scream her guts out—is honestly wild. And badass.

Pictures by Brock Marlborough for Soundboard

Scowl emerged from the Northern California hardcore scene with all the raw aggression and energy that defines the genre. But their rise to prominence hasn’t come without friction. With Are We All Angels, the band makes it abundantly clear that they don’t intend to conform. They’re here to expand what hardcore can be.

The new record, produced by genre-bender Will Yip, leans into grungy riffs, soaring melodies, and moments of emotional clarity that contrast sharply with the band’s earliest, more punishing material. Tracks like “Not Hell, Not Heaven” and “B.A.B.E.” are pop-leaning, sure, but they hit just as hard. Moss is less interested in fitting into a box and more focused on making something real. In the process, Scowl is pushing back against a culture that often punishes women for standing out—especially when they refuse to shrink themselves to make others comfortable.

If you’ve spent any time in the hardcore scene, you know the brand of gatekeeping that starts to fester once a band finds success. For Scowl, things came to a head when they played a Taco Bell-sponsored halftime show during the Women’s World Cup. The internet backlash was immediate and brutal: sellouts, industry plants, not “real” hardcore. Kat, in particular, became a target—for her voice, appearance, social media, and presence.

But instead of backing down, Scowl doubled down. Are We All Angels doesn’t just respond to the noise—it transforms it. The album reflects the isolation, the exhaustion, and the complexity of carving out space in a genre that historically hasn’t made much room for softness, queerness, or feminine energy.

Artists like Kat Moss, Marisa Dabice (Mannequin Pussy), Ecca Vandal, Karen Dio, Die Spitz, Initiate, and so many others are redefining what heavy music can look and sound like. They are loud. They are stylish. They are unapologetically themselves. And they are, by far, making some of the most exciting music in the genre right now.

Scowl’s willingness to mix genres and textures doesn’t dilute their identity. Their music resonates because it reflects the emotional messiness and complexity that most of us carry. In a time when too many people still want to draw sharp lines around genre, identity, and legitimacy, Scowl is doing something radical: they’re refusing to choose. And in doing so, they’re making hardcore feel more accessible, more interesting, and more honest than it has in years.

Are We All Angels is more than an album.

It’s a challenge. To the gatekeepers. To the purists.

To anyone who forgot that punk was always supposed to be about breaking rules, not enforcing them.

by Staff Writer Tay Hansen

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Are We All Angels kat moss Scowl soundboard will yip

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DS Album Review: Screamin’ Sins Creep Cool With New EP Living Nightmares

April 3, 2025 | 7:37 pm

Kingston, Ontario’s Screamin’ Sins may be a new face on the horror scene, but they are coming out swinging with their brand new EP Living Nightmares. This collection of dark crooning tunes is ripe with the type of cartoonishly dark lyrical fare one would expect from a horror punk trio, but don’t chalk these gothabilly […]

Kingston, Ontario’s Screamin’ Sins may be a new face on the horror scene, but they are coming out swinging with their brand new EP Living Nightmares. This collection of dark crooning tunes is ripe with the type of cartoonishly dark lyrical fare one would expect from a horror punk trio, but don’t chalk these gothabilly ghouls up as just another Misfits tribute. These folks bring a sound all their own to the world of horror rock.

The mini album kicks off with the Wes Craven-inspired creepfest “The Hills Have Eyes”. Has this particular earth been tread before? Sure, but with such fertile ground, there’s no reason not to keep digging into this 80’s classic. The reverb-drenched guitars and tribal drums kick things off, followed by a raucous stomping verse. Reverend Paul Sin’s clean melodic vocal stands out from the pack, periodically filled out by a ghostly unison chorus provided by bassist Vanessa Von Voodoo. What better way to invite listeners into the party than with a little radioactive mutant boogie?

“Living Dead” keeps the spooky vibes going with another helping of reverb-soaked guitar work and thrashing four-on-the-floor beats, courtesy of drummer Landon Dane Martin. The off-kilter guitar work and catchy chorus keep things interesting as we delve into the familiar lament of a man feeling more dead than alive. I don’t think anyone can deny, we all sometimes feel a bit like the walking dead.

Here the EP takes a turn into more rockabilly flavored fare. “Love You to Death” takes us into an unhealthy love affair, followed by an apocalyptic peak into a nightmare landscape with the appropriately titled “Nightmare”. The band clearly feels comfortable in this gothabilly mold, and it fits them like a well made coffin.

“Haunted Dreams” brings out the requisite outlaw country ballad we’ve come to expect from the genre. The train track rhythm and lonesome acoustic guitar, offset by the wailing vocal and trembling lead guitar make for a fun diversion, and showcase another side to the group that adds some depth and variety to this batch of spine-tingling tunes.

The final nail in this sonic coffin is a swampy blues banger entitled “Curse On You”. It’s here the album veers heavily into Concrete Blonde territory. This swampy, sleazy stomp sets a perfect tone for the voodoo tale portrayed in the lyrics. We’ve entered a creepy moonlit bayou, and these Canadian creepers seem right at home in these brackish waters.

Overall, Living Nightmares is a solid entry in what is sure to be a stellar discography from this terrifying trio. If you are a fiend for genre originators The Cramps, this might be right up your darkened alley! Check it out, if you dare!

by Staff Writer Andy Wylie

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Blues Punk Horror Punk ontario psychobilly Screamin' Sins

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DS Exclusive: Check out Fastloud’s music video for “A New Disease” from upcoming album “Rice Again!?”

April 2, 2025 | 10:38 pm

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Barcelona skate punks Fastloud are back in action and gearing up for the release of their brand new record Rice Again!?. We’re thrilled to bring you this exclusive premiere of the music video for the lead single “A New Disease”. Check it out below! Rice Again!? is due out in May […]

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Barcelona skate punks Fastloud are back in action and gearing up for the release of their brand new record Rice Again!?. We’re thrilled to bring you this exclusive premiere of the music video for the lead single “A New Disease”. Check it out below!

Rice Again!? is due out in May and will be getting global distribution thanks to Punk Rock Radar (US), Cat’s Claw Records (UK), Morning Wood Records (Netherlands), High End Denim (Canada), Picnic Records (Spain), and 20 Chords Records (Spain/France). Stay tuned for pre-orders launching soon!

This premiere is brought to you in part by Punk Rock Radar. If you’d like your band’s music video, song, album or whatever to be premiered by Dying Scene and Punk Rock Radar, go here and follow these instructions. You’ll be on your way to previously unimagined levels of fame and fortune in no time.

FASTLOUD – RICE AGAIN!?

DUE OUT MAY 2025

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

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DS Book Club – “The Loneliness of the Electric Menorah” and “Downtown Locals” by Aaron Cometbus

April 1, 2025 | 2:00 pm

Aaron Cometbus has been self-publishing the Cometbus zine since 1981. These slice-of-life writings became a way to document the East Bay punk rock scene with band interviews, artwork, and personal diaries. Indie book publisher PM Press has started reprinting some of the back issues and other writings by Aaron, starting with The Loneliness of the […]

Aaron Cometbus has been self-publishing the Cometbus zine since 1981. These slice-of-life writings became a way to document the East Bay punk rock scene with band interviews, artwork, and personal diaries. Indie book publisher PM Press has started reprinting some of the back issues and other writings by Aaron, starting with The Loneliness of the Electric Menorah and Downtown Locals.

Originally released as Cometbus #51 in September of 2008, The Loneliness of the Electric Menorah chronicles the history of businesses on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California. Known as a somewhat sketchy side of town due to its location being a haven of poverty and drugs. Cometbus personalizes the area with a story of rivaling bookstores that would go on to make some controversial books available to their customers for the first time, starting a revolution of sorts. Mostly focusing on the bookstore Rambam and the fall out between its two owners, this book catalogues the history of Telegraph Avenue, along with the scenes and zines it created.

Mentions of pioneering comic figures like Robert Crumb and Art Spiegelman who were a part of the underground comix scene in the Bay Area during the late 1960s and connections to the Symbionese Liberation Army including its remaining members Emily and Bill Harris and Patty Hearst make this a counterculture historian’s wet dream. Cometbus also discusses his possible participation in the 1989 riots with his lawyer and the opening of Amoeba Records, a California indie record store staple that has grown over the years. Cometbus’s text gives skin and bones to an area that was demonized for its inhabitants rather than celebrated for giving them something to think about rather it be socially, economically, or academically

Compiling articles that appeared in other issues of the Cometbus zine and other smaller publications, Downtown Locals is a different beast altogether. It offers more of the same slice-of-life stories, but these are more bite-sized pieces set in New York City. There are personal stories such as “When The Cat’s Away,” “Mary,” and “Skip,” which focus on one person, but also broader narratives like “Three weeks in the Epicenter,” where Cometbus details his experience in NYC during the first three weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most humorous entry in the book is “The Monster” referring to the nickname he called his girlfriend in front of a friend at one point who now feels inclined to do the same. There’s an interview with Punk magazine co-founder John Holstrom. It’s a fantastic conversation with one of the early constructors of punk rock and independent comics scenes.

These stories show a different part of New York City; not the touristy part you’re expected to see when visiting on vacation, or the hyperbolized mugging-and-murder side from an episode of Law and Order. This is a depiction of people under the radar no one notices as they go about their day. I don’t want the tourist’s version of New York; I want Aaron Cometbus’s version.

If you know the name Aaron Cometbus as a drummer, you would know his body of work in punk rock is revered. One could argue that he plays drums in bands in between working on his writings. While these may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are interesting and give perspective on an often-missed part of life. If you can’t track down old issues of Cometbus, these books from PM Press are a good start.

by Staff Writer Forrest Gaddis

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Aaron Cometbus Berkeley California new york NYC

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DS Album Review: Conflit Majeur – “Le recueil des clowns”

April 1, 2025 | 10:00 am

Le recueil des clowns (roughly translated as “The Clown Compendium”) is the debut EP by Montreal-based punk band Conflit Majeur, released in 2023. Fun, frenzied, and fast paced, Recueil is a joyous whirlwind of classic, high-energy punk. The Terrebonne, Quebec natives’ record is a great starting point for anyone looking to break into the Francophone […]

Le recueil des clowns (roughly translated as “The Clown Compendium”) is the debut EP by Montreal-based punk band Conflit Majeur, released in 2023. Fun, frenzied, and fast paced, Recueil is a joyous whirlwind of classic, high-energy punk. The Terrebonne, Quebec natives’ record is a great starting point for anyone looking to break into the Francophone punk scene.

Track 1: Bienvenue au Cirque

The instrumental “Bienvenue au Cirque” (Welcome to the Circus) opens the EP with a bang as the sound of tapping sticks counts the listener in to an unrelenting minute of drumming, setting the definitive tone and pace for the rest of the record. If you’re new to Conflit Majeur, this opening track is an excellent example of the kind of energy you can expect from the group.

Track 2: Depanneur Blowjob

“Depanneur Blowjob” tells a tale in two acts – initially upset that the neighborhood depanneur (the Quebec equivalent of a bodega or convenience store) has made you redundant by offering its customers blowjobs, your frustration quickly dissipates when you head inside for a happy ending of your own. The walking bassline meanders up and down, adding a new dimension of melody and texture to the chorus. A live show crowd favourite, I can tell you that nothing feels quite like thrashing around in a packed venue full of sweaty, shirtless lunkheads all screaming “DEPANNEUR BLOWJOB!” at the top of their lungs. Cathartic, absolutely.

Track 3: Quel Genre de Dieu

My personal favourite on the record, “Quel Genre de Dieu” (What Kind of God), opens with an intriguing, thumping drum intro, building quickly into a thrashing guitar hook. The lyrics are piercingly punchy (ex: “You’re the reason I don’t believe in Him / What kind of God would let you see the face of the Earth”), and the way vocalist Justin Thibault shouts “quel genre de dieu?” over the chorus is convincing enough to make you genuinely wonder.

Track 4: Pâte à Modeler

A Rancidesque bassline on “Pâte À Modeler” (Modeling Clay) cheerfully closes out this four-track EP. The song’s chorus is both catchy and poignant – “I’m fed up with being taken for a lump of modeling clay,” sings Thibault: “It’s not money that is going to shape me” – demonstrating the group’s more serious lyrical capabilities and cementing their status as ones to watch.

Clocking in at a whopping 8 minutes and 14 seconds, Le recueil des clowns is quintessentially punk –fun, fast, and with mention of blowjobs. Conflit Majeur’s passion and enthusiasm shine bright in this record, its exuberant yet grounded sound setting a solid foundation for the band’s growing local popularity.

The group is currently finishing up their next project, likely due for release some time this year. If it has half the vibrancy and energy of Recueil des clowns, I’d say we’re all in for a pretty good time.

by Staff Writer Emma H.

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conflit majeur francophone punk melodic punk montreal Punk

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DS Interview: Cheer Up Dusty— Philly’s Unfiltered Pop-Punk Revolution

March 31, 2025 | 10:00 am

Who is Dusty, and Did They Ever Cheer Up? You might have heard the name Cheer Up Dusty buzzing around the Philadelphia pop-punk scene, but it was the name itself that immediately piqued my curiosity. As someone who’s often described as overly energized and maybe a little too cheerful, I couldn’t help but think: I’m […]

Who is Dusty, and Did They Ever Cheer Up?

You might have heard the name Cheer Up Dusty buzzing around the Philadelphia pop-punk scene, but it was the name itself that immediately piqued my curiosity. As someone who’s often described as overly energized and maybe a little too cheerful, I couldn’t help but think: I’m about to make it my mission to cheer up Dusty—if their frown is even still upside down.

What I found wasn’t just a band; it was a whirlwind of raw energy, unfiltered humor, and relentless passion— a sound that embodies everything pop-punk is supposed to be. Something real, built from Philly grit and a refusal to compromise.

Since their debut in 2019, Cheer Up Dusty has been carving their own lane in the DIY scene, blending nostalgic pop-punk sounds with a fresh, unfiltered twist that’s hard to ignore. Their latest EP, Don’t Take It Personally, Take It Seriously (2023), and the upcoming wave of new music make it clear—they’re not just keeping the pop-punk torch burning; they’re throwing gasoline on the flame.

So, who exactly is Dusty?

As it turns out, Dusty isn’t a specific person per se. “It started as a joke with a friend who called me ‘Justy,’ and it eventually turned into Dusty,” Justin Humenik, lead singer, says. “Every time I disagreed with something, it was always ‘cheer up, Dusty.’ So, I named the band that as an ‘F-you’ to him.”

The name Dusty has become something more than just a playful jab among friends. “Dusty has become an enigma,” Justin continues. “We get asked all the time who it is. Honestly, I prefer to leave it open-ended. Dusty is whoever needs cheering up, whoever’s kicked down. It could be you, it could be me, it could be anyone. That’s the beauty of it.”

From the beginning, the band came together around a shared love of music and friendship. With Justin Humenik on vocals, Brayan Marin on lead guitar, Nick Silvidio on rhythm guitar, Pat Desiato on bass, and Caleb Kerr on drums, they created more than just a pop-punk group. They found a way to speak directly to anyone who’s ever needed to hear that they weren’t alone in the chaos of life.

What does Cheer Up Dusty sound like?

Blending 2000s pop-punk with their own unique flavor, Cheer Up Dusty’s sound is both familiar and fresh. “Our biggest influences come from classic pop-punk bands like Good Charlotte, Sum 41, A Day to Remember, and Blink-182,” says Brayan Marin, lead guitarist. “But we’ve also got Caleb, who’s into hardcore, and me—well, I listen to a lot of Bad Bunny. Somehow, it all mixes together, and we all learn a lot from each other.”

From the very first track, “Everybody Hates Me,” which has become a fan favorite, to their latest creations, their sound has continually evolved. “It’s been a constant evolution,” Brayan adds. “When we first started, Justin was doing everything. But now, we’ve got a solid core, and with the help of our producer Pete Zen, we’ve been growing together.”

Their lyrics mix humor with real emotion, reflecting the band’s unapologetic approach to life. “I’m not the most serious guy,” states Justin. “I write about things I’ve experienced or that I find relatable, and then we all contribute ideas to add our own flavors to it.”

Philly isn’t just home— it’s a battleground.

Cheer Up Dusty has become deeply rooted in the DIY culture of Philadelphia, a city that’s known for its gritty, no-nonsense attitude. “The Philly scene is really something special,” explains Brayan. “There’s so many artists putting in real work, and the fans here respond to that. You can feel the love, and that pushes us to always give more.”

Being an independent band in today’s industry isn’t easy. “The biggest challenge is balancing everything,” Brayan admits. “We’ve got to work, practice, promote, and still find time for our families and ourselves. It’s a constant struggle, but it’s worth it. Pressure makes diamonds, right?”

Their success also comes from embracing social media. “We try to just be ourselves,” Brayan laughs. “Even if it’s cringe. People respect authenticity, and we’re just putting it out there.”

The Creative Process

For Cheer Up Dusty, songwriting is a true collaboration, built on sharing ideas, trading demos, and refining their sound together. Once they land on something that feels right, they bring it to producer Pete Zen, whose expertise helps shape the final product. Each member plays a crucial role in supporting the message of the song, ensuring that every track captures the raw energy and authenticity they strive for.

With new music on the horizon, the band is gearing up for an exciting year. Their first single drops on April 15, 2025, kicking off a wave of releases and a packed schedule of live shows and bigger tours. The goal is simple: to reach more people, play more music, and do what they love.

Looking ahead, their vision is clear— turning their passion into a full-time career. Leaving the day jobs behind to dedicate themselves entirely to music is the ultimate dream. But beyond success, their true mission is to create a lasting impact. Every song, every show, every interaction is about sharing their love for music and the energy they pour into it. If listeners walk away feeling something real, knowing they’re part of something bigger, then Cheer Up Dusty has done exactly what they set out to do.

by Staff Writer Monica Ritchie

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Cheer Up Dusty Interview Philadelphia Punk Philly punk pop punk