Are you a fan of hardcore? Are you a fan of punk? If the answer to both of those questions was yes, this article will significantly serve you. In no specific order, here's a list of my top 5 local San Diego hardcore/punk bands. Let’s get into it.

ABSTAIN

Abstain is a straight-edge hardcore band from San Deigo, California. Abstain is a relatively new band. Their first official release, "The Demo," came out on October 17, 2021. Since then, the band has released two singles and a second EP titled "Infirm Of Purpose," which came out June 24, 2022. Abstain gives me a very nostalgic feel, digging into the roots of 90's hardcore. Some bands that remind me of Abstain would be Ringworm, Project X, and Inclination.

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BENT BLUE

Bent Blue is a melodic hardcore band, with their first release dating back to 2020 titled "Between Your and You're (Demo)," which consisted of 5 songs. Then, in 2022 they released their perfected version of "Between Your and You're," which had two extra pieces added to it. But, their most recent release would be their second album, "Where Do Ripples Go?" which came out on July 29, 2022. Bent Blue's music is perfect for opening up the pit. It is, at the very least, two-stepping central. Bent Blue is a fascinating mix of bands like Turnstile and SPACED.

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MOUTHGUARD

Leaning more so into the punk side of things, Mouthguard is a 5-piece femme fronted band that played their first show in late 2021. While Mouthguard doesn't have any music out at the moment, they have proven to be a local fan favorite in the underground San Diego hardcore/punk scene. Mouthguard puts on a very high-energy and entertaining performance. It's one of those bands where even if you don't know any songs by them, you will still find yourself moshing (or at the very least bopping your head along). I know many listeners are anticipating this band's first official release. Mouthguard reminds me of bands from the GRRL RIOT movement back in the 90s, like L7 or 7 Year Bitch. So if you want to go to a show that will feel like a flashback into the past, Mouthguard is the band for you.

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RIVAL SQUAD

Rival Squad is a hardcore punk band and, like all the others, is also from San Diego, California. Rival Squads' first official release was their 2020 EP, "Tierra." Since then, they released a split with the band All Beat Up on August 31, 2021. My favorite thing about Rival Squad is how powerful the vocalist is. Rival Squad's lead singer has the perfect voice for hardcore punk, as you can hear the grit and agitation within their voice when singing. Some bands that remind me of Rival Squad would be Minor Threat, Angel Du$t, and, more so than anything, the band GEL.

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THE SKITZOIDS

While this band is definitely more of a deathcore band than a hardcore or punk one, I felt obligated to put them on this list because of how much I like them. The Skitzoids refer to themselves as 760 Deathcore, which is a spot-on explanation of the band in summary. Their first release came out on December 15, 2021, titled "Let's Scare The Skitzoid To Death." This EP is fantastic, with my favorite song on it being "Alanis Morissette is God." The Skitzoids are one of those bands I always see on a bill at least once or twice a month here in San Diego, and it's likely because they (similar to other bands on this list) have such great energy on stage. The Skitzoids most recent release was an EP that came out on February 10, 2023, titled "It Came From the Swamp." For fans of Knocked Loose, Chelsea Grin, and Suicide Silence, The Skitzoids is the band for you.

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