Choke

Choke sounds like the moment a standard skate punk band decides to go to music school but never loses their edge. It is fast, aggressive, and undeniably melodic, but the underlying structure is far more sophisticated than their peers. You will hear the familiar gallop of melodic hardcore, yet it is frequently interrupted by jagged time signatures, unexpected chord voicings, and a bass-driven complexity that borders on math rock.

What sets them apart is their refusal to stay in one lane. While they can deliver a straightforward anthem, they prefer to weave intricate guitar tapestries that feel like they might unravel before snapping back into a heavy, driving groove. The vocals balance raw urgency with surprisingly delicate harmonies, creating a sound that is as intellectually stimulating as it is physically exhausting.

Start with 'There's a Story to This Moral' to hear them at their creative peak. It captures the perfect intersection of their early punk energy and the experimental leanings that would define their later work. It is the ideal entry point for anyone who wants their punk rock to have a little more brain behind the brawn.