If they aren't already on your radar, Bent Blue is a melodic hardcore band from San Diego who first emerged in 2020 via their DC hardcore-inspired demo, Between Your And You're. Since then, the quartet has signed to WAR Records who later issued a remixed and expanded version of the demo as a limited edition 12-inch vinyl.
Drawing sonic comparisons to the likes of Dag Nasty and Lifetime, Bent Blue will be releasing a new EP, Where Do Ripples Go?, this summer. "We wrote the seven-song EP during the latter half of 2020 and wrapped up recording and production by late spring of 2021," vocalist Tony Bertolino tells No Echo.
"To me, the record is more eclectic than the demo. We tried to explore different styles within a certain set of parameters, which lead to a good mix of sounds that range from straightforward hardcore to post-hardcore. Sonically, I think each song is distinct from the next. We tried to be more mindful of hooks, varied tempos, and even an occasional cleaner vocal approach."
With the track hitting digital outlets today, No Echo is presenting the music video premiere for the forthcoming EP's title track. Directed by the band's own vocalist, Tony does a great job of capturing the song's wistful spirit:
"The lyrics for the song stem from the anxiety you might experience when you’re trying to do the right thing but you don’t know if you’re efforts will ever have any impact," says Tony. "It represents a battle between indignance and action, and desensitization and hopelessness."
For the Where Do Ripples Go? recording sessions, Bent Blue worked with Gabe VanBenschoten (Ancestors, Daisy Chain), who tracked and mixed the EP. "We loved working with Gabe. He has a really well-rounded set of experiences that make him a good partner to have in the studio. We were introduced to him by Andrew Kline of WAR Records after they had worked on a Berthold City record together.
"For most of us in Bent Blue it was our first time in a proper recording studio, so there were a fair amount of nerves. What I appreciate from Gabe when recording is his ability to help you feel at ease and accept when you’ve nailed your part. He’s also got a really good ear and gives impactful feedback when you’re exploring ideas in the studio."
Accoring to Tony, the Bent Blue calendar is about to get really busy. "We’ll be announcing a US East Coast tour really soon. We’re hyped on the tour package we’ll be a part of and on the opportunity to play for and meet people in that neck of the woods.
"We’ve also got some cool Southern California shows planned for Fall. Other than that, just writing the next record, planning weekend and festival runs, and hanging out with friends."
Where Do Ripples Go? will be out digitally on July 29th, and on vinyl August 19th, via WAR Records (pre-order is live).
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