music pickA lot of bands are redefining what “hardcore” music means in 2023, and the Santa Cruz, California quintet known as Scowl are one of the most expressive. Refreshingly all over the place, going from speedy guttural punk to witchy alternative rock, Kat Moss (vocals), Malachi Greene (guitar), Bailey Lupo (bass), Cole Gilbert (drums), and Mikey Bifolco (guitar) built a following with the aggressive grinds on their debut album, How Flowers Grow in late 2021, and a relentless touring schedule getting it out there. Road life and experiences inspired a lot on their latest EP Psychic Dance Routine, and saw the band evolve as their sound and live show got attention.

With bright green hair and a vocal that easily goes from evil grunt to sultry wail, Moss is a marvel to watch on stage, as many of us first did at this year’s Coachella, both in the desert and on the fest’s You Tube Livestream. The band’s partnership with Taco Bell’s ‘Feed The Beat’ program (which provides touring bands with food gift cards and showcases select performances) might have seen a little backlash from punk purists, but they were in heavy company– Turnstile, Rivers of Nihil and Wolfheart have also rung the Bell. Plus, Scowl seem to dig drive-thru’s:  as part of a now legendary DIY hardcore bill at a Jersey Sonic restaurant last year, they brought their own kind of Sonic Blast to the menu.

Scowl at 1720: Doors at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 8 at 1720.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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