Emerging Band gains attention with raw and straightforward hardcore punk music

Selfish Means, a rising hardcore punk band hailing from North Carolina, has burst onto the scene with their debut demo that showcases a gritty, no-nonsense approach to their music. The group’s formation feels more like a serendipitous alignment of long-lasting friendships, geographical convenience, and perfect timing rather than a traditional band coming together.

Vocalist Chase, drummer Dallas, guitarist Jensen, and bassist Louie have a history that spans back to childhood and military camaraderie. Chase and Dallas, childhood friends with a shared passion for hardcore music, always dreamt of starting a band together. Their paths crossed with Jensen during their time in the Army, solidifying another important bond crucial to the band’s formation. Louie, treated like a big brother by Chase, was lured out of musical retirement after an impromptu acoustic set played at a house show. When the four finally found themselves in North Carolina simultaneously, the decision to start a band seemed almost inevitable.

Their sound, deeply rooted in their shared skinhead and street-punk backgrounds, features a stripped-down, relentless hardcore punk sound. Chase draws vocal inspiration from the likes of Sheer Terror’s Paul Bearer and Ezec from Crown of Thornz, while Louie’s bass lines, influenced by players like Pennywise’s Randy Bradbury and Rancid’s Matt Freeman, contribute to the demo’s gritty foundation.

The band aimed to keep the recording raw and straightforward, opting out even of gang vocals to maintain a stark and immediate quality. Lyrically, the demo tackles poignant themes, with standout track “Memoir” delving into the band’s personal struggles and reflections on the challenges of navigating the turbulent times the world is currently experiencing.

“Mimic,” another track from the demo, confronts individuals who treat hardcore music as a mere costume rather than an authentic community. Chase emphasizes the importance of unity in the hardcore scene, highlighting it as the key factor that has sustained them through tough times.

Looking ahead, Selfish Means has big plans for the future, with upcoming East Coast tour dates and more music releases on the horizon. The band is also anticipating the arrival of friends and collaborators in North Carolina, excited about the possibilities for growth and community-building within their music scene.

For Chase, the journey back to North Carolina has been a significant homecoming, a moment where everything seems to be falling into place. The band’s connection to the local scene, as well as the support from their close-knit group of friends and supporters, underscores the notion that Selfish Means isn’t just a band but a thriving community of like-minded individuals united by their love for hardcore music.