“Blood, sweat, but never tears.”
After bursting onto the scene with the release of their EPs Over Thinking and Time Enough at Last (released in 2016 and 2017 respectively), Santa Cruz group DRAIN have continued to make waves across the modern hardcore landscape. Despite some lost momentum around their 2020 debut full-length album California Cursed due to its release at the height of nationwide lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the positive reception surrounding it led to the trio—comprised of vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro, guitarist Cody Chavez, and drummer Tim Flegel—inking a deal with Epitaph Records to release their sophomore full-length album LIVING PROOF, which is due for release this upcoming Friday, May 5th.
Known for their particular blend of thrashy riffs, boisterous hardcore energy, and legendary live shows, DRAIN has teamed up with friend and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Young (God’s Hate, Suicide Silence) on production and Jon Markson (Drug Church, Koyo) on mixing for the release of LIVING PROOF. The dynamic production does well to give every member of DRAIN their space to shine, while also locking in their tight performances across the record. With the release of their sophomore album, as well as their upcoming headlining run as part of the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, the California based trio are looking to further cement themselves as one of the premier acts in the modern hardcore scene today.
Tracks like album opener “Run Your Luck,” as well as singles “Watch You Burn,” “Evil Finds Light”, and “FTS (KYS)” have already found their way onto the group’s more recent setlists, with “Watch You Burn” appearing as early as 2021 as DRAIN returned to touring since the start of the pandemic. The newer tracks slot neatly into place alongside setlist staples like “Feel the Pressure,” “Army of One,” and “California Cursed” and have served well as additional fuel for their already incendiary live sets.
One of the most charismatic frontmen in the game right now, Sammy Ciaramitaro is a refreshing presence in the hardcore world. His fun-loving, party-starting energy on stage is palpable and infectious as he encourages the maelstrom of beach balls, boogie boards, and bodies flying all around him. Ever enthusiastic, Ciaramitaro has stated “straight up, no one is having more fun than me when we’re up there!” in reference to the live shows they have become known for.
The remaining new tracks from across the record “Devil’s Itch,” “Imposter,” “Weight of the World,” and of course, title track “Living Proof” will just as well be additional weapons in DRAIN’s live arsenal. High octane thrash riffing courtesy of Chavez, fun, dynamic drum performances from Flegel, and pit-churning breakdown sections help provide the sun and surf soaked backdrop for Ciaramitaro to do his thing as the maestro in charge of the symphony of chaos that is the DRAIN live experience.
While I would say LIVING PROOF makes the most of its compact twenty-five minute runtime, there is a certain bit of monotony that comes with DRAIN’s sound. Two EPs and now two full length albums into their career, the trio have certainly perfected their trademark sound and vibe, but thankfully some of the monotony in sound does get broken up as you move into the back half of LIVING PROOF.
Originally presented as a brief opening to the “FTS (KYS)” music video, “Intermission” features a verse from Oakland rapper Shakewell, who prior to becoming a rapper was part of a hardcore group called Betrayal. Shakewell’s verse, filled with references to tracks from across DRAIN’s discography, coasts over a slick rap beat crafted by Chavez in a switch-up from his usual guitar duties. Whereas the rap feature stood alone as a brief “Intermission” tacked onto the beginning of “FTS (KYS)” video, for the album release the rap verse is topped off with a hefty pit-churning breakdown section that is sure to get you moving and grooving.
Leaning away from thrash and hardcore and delving into a more vintage surf punk sound, the penultimate track on LIVING PROOF is DRAIN’s cover of punk veterans and Epitaph label mates Descendents’ 1985 track “Good Good Things.” The cover ultimately ends up a surprising, yet welcome dose of California sunshine that helps further smooth out the final stretch of the album. The final single put out prior to the release of LIVING PROOF, “Good Good Things” sees Ciaramitaro trade in his signature snarl for a melodic approach that remains faithful to the original track, with the modern, beefed up instrumentals and production helping give the song a little bit more edge than its predecessor and letting DRAIN flex some of their versatility as performers.
Similar to California Cursed, the title track of LIVING PROOF serves as the album’s closer. If you were to look at LIVING PROOF as the massive, cresting tidal wave depicted in its album art, “Living Proof” is the moment the wave comes crashing down, breaking against the shore and encompassing everything in its path. Despite the accolades and successes the band has experienced in the three years since the release of California Cursed, DRAIN still choose to channel and honor the underdog mentality that helped them get to where they are today. The aggressive delivery of lyrics like “these are the words I wish I had when I needed them the most” and “we’re living just to prove you wrong, we’re here to bring you hope” are indeed living proof of DRAIN working to embody the good vibes the Golden State natives work to exemplify in hopes of inspiring listeners and crowds around the world.
LIVING PROOF is a distillation of everything DRAIN is known for—a fun and energetic blend of uplifting thrash-tinged hardcore absolutely made for the group’s legendary live experience. Just as well, the album lives up to its name and establishes DRAIN as a refreshing and much needed voice in a scene that could stand to lighten up a little. With the end of spring and beginning of summer nearly upon us, LIVING PROOF and the ensuing headline tour are sure to help keep the party going for all those in the DRAIN camp.
9/10
LIVING PROOF is out this Friday via Epitaph Records, with merch and pre-orders available here. Additionally you can find tickets to DRAIN’s headlining Monster Energy Outbreak Tour supporting the release of LIVING PROOF here.