Sound & Fury '25 Recap
Life is hard. Be harder.
This past weekend, I took a journey to Los Angeles, California to experience my first ever Sound & Fury. For those unfamiliar with the hardcore scene, S&F is a two-day festival featuring mainly hardcore acts, with a few exceptions (like Project Pat). Many of the bands are local California bands, but the later part of each day’s schedule gets big names like Pain of Truth and Mindforce.
Saturday
After securing my $12 Big Boy themed latte, I got mentally and physically ready for a long day of hardcore in the sweltering LA sun. I knew Saturday had a more stacked lineup, so it was nonstop for a bit. One of the best things about S&F is the two-stage setup, which allows for virtually no downtime in between sets. However, after my fourth or fifth set with no break, I was starting to think maybe a gap between sets wouldn’t have been so bad after all. I also had some really delicious vegan smash burger fries.
Highlights of the day —
Dynamite covered Fury (I forget which song, but I’m pretty sure it was Danse) which was pretty sick. Fury is one of my favorite live bands, and I’m dying to see them again.
Basement was, as expected, the best part of the weekend for me. Colourmeinkindness is such an important album and I got very excited when the band announced new music would be coming soon.
Best sets of the day —
Basement
Big Ass Truck
Big Boy
Contention
Weapon X
Most surprising set of the day —
Trash Talk
Sunday
Today’s fest coffee of choice was cold brew with oat milk, and at $9, it felt like a steal compared to the day before. It also wasn’t as hot on Sunday, but the dust at Expo Park is still taking up residence in my throat and nose.
Highlights of the day —
Midrift covering 27 is the closest I’ll probably ever get to seeing Title Fight, which was pretty awesome.
Two words: Project Pat.
Terror and Carry On both had secret sets during the God’s Hate set.
I finally got to see Scowl, who has been on my list for a while now.
Best sets of the day —
Balmora
Midrift
Scowl
Knocked Loose
Most surprising set of the day —
Pest Control
My first S&F (and first hardcore fest in general) was one to remember, and I hope to be back next year. Side note, we chatted to Bo from HardLore and gave him some Late Nite Emo stickers, so watch this space for a Late Nite Emo x HardLore collab coming soon (maybe…).
