DRAIN is a hardcore punk band from Santa Cruz, California. The band, made up of frontman Sammy Ciaramitaro, guitarist Cody Chavez, bassist Justin Rhod, and drummer Tim Flegal, was founded in 2014.

Their first full release, California Cursed, garnered major success with tracks like “Feel The Pressure”, “Hyper Vigilance”, and “Army of One”. But for many bands, their sophomore project is a true testament to their dedication—showing how they can improve themselves, and their sound.

“You try to do what you did last time. If you’re not changing your sound, you just wanna trim the fat and just do it better,” frontman Ciaramitaro said in an interview with Epitaph Records.

LIVING PROOF is by far the best major hardcore release of last summer. From the hot headed singalong lyrism, to the manically addicting riffs — this is true hardcore, through and through.

Anger has truly established what punk is, from its inception it has questioned and revolted any sliver of authority—and punk’s angry little sister is no different. Hardcore has never been nice, and track 4 is no different.

“Evil Finds Light” is a heavy, soul-bearing track about depression and shows how mental illness can truly alter someone’s perception of themselves and the world.

“I pick apart old conversations, I blur the line between friends and enemies.”

The blaring instrumentation helps to truly show you what the band was dealing with, encasing you in cement shoes while they burst your eardrums, and you have no choice but to get angry too.

While punk is rooted in anger, community is also a strong part of the scene. Community and  family have been what it means to be punk. And track 8 shows a true hardcore way to say, “don’t mess with my family”.

“Watch You Burn” is a passionate, rage induced rampage through a 2 minute and thirty four second song. The song is a direct threat towards anyone who tries to step between you and the people you love.

“Can’t keep me down, won’t bite my tongue, you ain’t scaring no one. I dont think I’m better than you, mother****** I know I am.”

This is my favorite track off of this record, the transitions, the singalong segments, and just the sheer velocity of this song is spectacular.

The final track, “Living Proof”, is the perfect bow on this 25 minute explosion, wrapping up every track spotlessly. This track is an explanation to the album title, to continue fighting. That you’re strong enough to overcome anything, DRAIN is living proof, and so are you.

“These are the words I wish I had, when I needed them the most.”

This song personally hits the hardest sonically, the cowbell intro to the drums really breaks it all down and makes you want to get up and dance. The guitar riffs suck you into a world of noise, dragging you deeper and deeper as the track progresses.

DRAIN’s LIVING PROOF has shown that hardcore is still alive, and not leaving anytime soon. This record is a great intro to anyone who is new to hardcore. Overall, I’d give this record a 9/10.