Drought 'EP'

DROUGHT believes a better world is possible. The Bay Area band pulls inspiration from their personal lives and the spaces they inhabit, harkening back to the intimate DIY spaces where communities are built and confessional songwriting meets crowds that take part in their emotional catharsis. Their spirited performances have fostered new fans across the West Coast.

The quintet hardcore veterans formed in 2022, pulling from their diverse musical influences and ethnic identities to push a familiar sound in new directions. Although some members spent over a decade away from music, DROUGHT pulls no punches on their debut “EP,” which they recorded with Ryan Ellery (Mom Jeans, Self Defense Family).

“EP” explores the struggles of loss and the rites of adulthood in increasingly precarious times. They wrote “Oh Javelin,” for instance, while guitarist RJ Rabe was battling cancer and drummer Ray Avila’s father was ill, grappling with the existential question of how we spend our short lives.

Upon digital release in 2023, the three-track EP turned more than a few heads with its familiar-yet-wholly-new stylings perfect for fans of bands like Touché Amoré, Piano Becomes the Teeth, and mewithoutYou. Now DROUGHT will be releasing a 7” pressing of “EP” on Iodine Recordings for the first time later this year.

“When I was young, nothing felt more comforting than playing a record, poring over the liner notes and feeling less alone,” says vocalist Viggy Ram. “And while releasing it digitally was exciting, it felt fleeting. When someone gets a record or goes to a show, you're actually giving your art to them—the ephemeral becomes real. With this vinyl release, we hope these songs keep you company when you need them to.”

"With a sonic palette pulling from both classic screamo and post-hardcore, Drought are clearly aiming to capture a certain spirit." - No Echo