Death Lens delivers an addictive blend of West Coast surf-punk and tight Britrock. While their records are often characterized by reverb-drenched guitars and dreamy vocal harmonies, the band transforms live into a true powerhouse, channeling the raw energy of hardcore.

With a sound that sits somewhere between the hooks of Militarie Gun and the attitude of IDLES, Death Lens has evolved from explosive lo-fi beginnings into a refined, anthem-ready force. Their latest album Cold World, released on the legendary Epitaph Records, showcases a band performing at the height of its powers.

Lyrically, frontman Bryan Torres does not shy away from confrontation; he reflects on social inequality and political unrest: “We side strongly with socialist ideals proudly. We’re also very pro Latino and pushing harder to see more Hispanic bands on stage, pro LGBTQ, pro immigration, and everything in between.”

What began in 2019 as a mission to write the perfect melodic post-punk song has grown into an absolute powerhouse within the genre. Ways Away brings together the raw passion of Jesse Barnett (Stick to Your Guns), the melodic finesse of Sergie Loobkoff (Samiam, Knapsack), and the driving precision of Jared Shavelson (BoySetsFire, Joyce Manor).

Since their debut in 2020 and the acclaimed second album Torch Songs (2022), the band has refined a sound that is as emotional as it is powerful. Their music balances on the edge of post-punk and hardcore. With the addition of bassist Chad Darby (Samiam) and a third album (2025), Ways Away is ready to cement its status as one of the most compelling names in the scene.

Wrong Man follows an idiosyncratic path within the alternative circuit. With a lineup that earned its stripes in iconic bands such as Oathbreaker, Rise and Fall, and Partisan, the band leaves its hardcore roots behind in favor of a sound they describe as soulful post-hardcore. The result is a dynamic blend—just as noisy as it is melodic, at times bluesy and moody.

Their sound invites comparisons to legends like Quicksand, Sonic Youth, and The Wipers, yet Wrong Man remains firmly committed to its own distinct ’90s aesthetic. Following the strong releases Who Are You? (2022) and the layered Big Plans (2023), the collective is currently working on a debut full-length album that promises to be their most diverse work to date.