Within the past couple of years, the city of Austin, Texas has had no shortage of new and forthcoming musicians, artists, and bands. The city’s DIY punk and harcore scene has seemed to have exploded as of recently; established local musicians are expanding their range and sound, and new faces and names are popping up in-between all of the action. Amongst such an incredible output is the band McBryde, who made their debut into the world only this Spring. Formed by members of established local bands, such as The High Cost of Playing God, the group has laid a foundation for themselves and have already made their expertise and musical talent known. Collaboratively, the members of McBryde use such to create a sound that sets them apart and makes them deserving of your curiosity.

“Walls” was the first single by the band and was released back in April in conjunction with the announcement of the band’s first show, which took place back in May. The track was a memorable introduction with its blend of grit and melody, and was admirably reminiscent of artists such as State Faults, Screaming Females, and Self Defense Family. Following its release, “Walls” was met warmly, received enthusiastically, and left audiences eager for more. Thankfully, the band was just as eager to appease. Therefore, in quick succession, came the announcement of their debut EP If Heaven Exists Here on Earth, and its release on June 28th.

If Heaven Exists Here on Earth includes the debut single “Walls” along with four other tracks. “Potholes”, in sections, supports the band’s claim of being a “dad rock loving” group, as stated in their Spotify biography, while also reminiscent of the variances in sound of post-hardcore band Touché Amoré. “Sounds” is an appropriately named track, as it contains spoken word alongside the traditional punk vocals, and layered vocals from the members, in varying styles and intensities, create an auditory vacuum that sucks you in and makes you want to play the track a couple times over. “Rhoda” is the most mellow of the EP, yet not forfeiting its punk energy, and seemingly analogous to bands such as Mannequin Pussy and Scowl. The track “Future Plans” concludes the cycle with its inclusion of all prominent attributes of the previous tracks. If Heaven Exists Here on Earth is one of the most solid debut releases I’ve seen recently, and, with the help of acclaimed Kieran Krebs of Overcast Recordings (whose clients include Forever Starts Today, Gold Steps, and Riley!, among others), is an impressive display of the band’s musical prowess within the umbrella of punk/hardcore/emo genres.

McBryde played their release show on June 28th at Independence Brewing Company in Austin, the lineup of which was full of support from talented various local bands and friends. The band is also playing a free show on July 13th at Sunny's Backyard to further support their new release. So far, 2024 has been favorable and brought much success for a large number of bands, and the hope is that McBryde is on the roster.