Chico is a Los Angeles band that draws from alternative rock, punk, and hardcore, resisting being pinned to a single style.
The story starts in 2016, when drummer Tony Rangel first met vocalist Lance Gibson at school. "We met on our college dorm floor in 2016 and bonded over music," Rangel tells No Echo. "We started going to shows together, showing each other different styles of music, and eventually started jamming out on guitar together."
Two years later, they started Chico, writing their first EP in Gibson's dorm room and recording it with their friend Taylor Hecocks, who was just starting out as a producer. After graduation, the band kept moving forward, made it through the pandemic, and eventually settled on a lineup with Rangel, Gibson, Danny, Dawson, and Jake.
Eventually, Chico signed with New Morality Zine, the Chicago-based label also behind recent releases by Bleached Cross, xNullifyx, and Holy Dose. It's a good fit since NMZ doesn't stick to a single musical genre. "We love hardcore punk and rock music in general. We grew up on both," Rangel explains. "I don't think we should be limited to a certain sound when we're inspired by it all."
Chico's self-titled debut will arrive in stores later this summer, and a few days ago, they released "Blur," the single single from the LP. "It's about facing the question, 'Should I give it up?'" Rangel explains. "You spend endless hours trying to make something work, so much that you wish there was something to blame for it not working out, but you ultimately know it's up to you to keep trying."
The band's inclination to embrace different influences likewise made this Chico's most collaborative release to date. Rather than relying on a single songwriter's vision, the album grew organically from the chemistry between all five members. "Songs like 'Die Alone,' 'Chico Style,' and 'Don't Wanna Be Here' are all results of us jamming out on a riff idea together," Rangel says.
"The overarching theme of the record is what it feels like for me to chase a dream despite the adversity," Rangel tells No Echo. "Pursuing what you believe in without any excuses can affect your entire life, and for some people, that's all the reason they need to quit," the drummer continues. "But it's hard for me to imagine a life that isn't lived on my terms, so I have no choice but to keep at it."
Helping bring those ideas to life was longtime collaborator Taylor Hecocks, who has worked with Chico since the band's earliest recordings. "Taylor's been recording Chico since our very first release," he says. "He's a great producer and friend who understands what we're going for and helps us achieve the sound without letting us settle for less."
As Chico prepares for the album's release and an upcoming run of dates with Death Lens, the band remains deeply connected to the Southern California music community. "The LA music scene will always be amazing," Rangel says. "No matter what day it is, you can always find a show to attend and great bands to see."
Among the groups currently exciting the band are Dive Time, Fight Scene, Free From Concern, '92, Jinx, Total Pleasure, Big Tech, and Human Garbage.
***
The Chico album will be out on August 14 via New Morality Zine.
Chico on social media: Instagram
Tour dates w/ Death Lens:
9/25 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
9/26 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
9/27 Austin, TX @ 13th Floor
9/28 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves
9/30 Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
10/1 San Diego, CA @ Voodoo Room
10/2 Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
10/3 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
Tagged: chico
