Coming off the heels of their highly acclaimed 2022 EP "Where Do Ripples Go?", San Diego's Bent Blue return, delivering their distinctive take on hardcore with two tracks on their upcoming split 7" alongside Philadelphia's Sunstroke. This split EP is also a combined effort between Los Angeles based WAR Records and Chicago's own New Morality Zine, and it showcases two similar bands from two different coasts playing their take on emotive melodic hardcore.
With a seamless oscillation between aggression and melody, this release showcases Bent Blue's unwavering musical prowess. The Bent Blue side features one original track as well as a cover of "Three Unkind Silences" by D.C.'s One Last Wish.
Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Sunstroke burst onto the scene in 2017, and since then, they have been carving a unique space for themselves. Their melodic-driven form of hardcore punk continually expands, yet never fails to pay homage to their roots. Sunstroke's evolution can be witnessed in their previous releases, including the '21/22 singles, the enthralling "Bloom At Night" from 2019, and the powerful compilation LP "Second Floor/Seven" from 2018. Now, they take their musical journey to new heights alongside Bent Blue with this split EP.
Sunstroke's contribution to this split EP showcases their boundless musical exploration. The track "Nineteen" sees the band venturing further into a captivating melodic sound, pushing the boundaries of their genre. To add an extra layer of excitement, Sunstroke's rendition of Cranberries "Salvation" infuses the song with a burst of energy, beautifully enhanced by Matt Ellis of Kill Lincoln's soulful saxophone melodies.