Eulogy

Drain may top the bill, but fellow Santa Cruz hardcore crew Scowl is one of the hottest underground acts of 2025. Their explosive Late Show with Stephen Colbert performance in April turned a lot of heads. If you don’t leave this show dripping in sweat, were you even there? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32M7MCfTXlQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RNndDSKDSY

NYC-based rapper Billy Woods seems to drop an Album of the Year contender annually — sometimes more than one. His latest release, GOLLIWOG, is no exception. Backed by a diverse lineup of producers, Woods delivers some of his strongest work yet, crafting dense, abstract verses that confront listeners with the brutal realities of Black existence. Also on the bill is his Backwoodz Studioz labelmate PremRock, whose recent album Did You Enjoy Your Time Here...? stands…

Both bands can be titanic sonic forces, but while fellow Texans Explosions in the Sky channel an ascending, almost cinematic optimism, This Will Destroy You leans into a darker palette — their sound steeped in the weight of doom metal and drone influences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KOdL37Ae_o

Though she’s long been a go-to guitarist for big names like Beck and The Shins, Jessica Dobson’s main project has flown largely under the radar—until now. With the release of the excellent new album Billboard Heart, people are finally taking notice. As always, Dobson’s guitar prowess is front and center, backed by sharp songwriting and undeniable hooks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hokGuFIw1PQ