1034

In an age where your average band makes it a point to stand out, South Bay hardcore band “1034” sticks in the minds of listeners for being as bare bones as it gets. For many, the band provides some twisted type of relief in their raw riffs and consistent sound. Los Angeles County is no stranger to harsh sounding bands, yet it's difficult to put anyone in the same ballpark as 1034. The band is living proof that sometimes a groundbreaking band isn't groundbreaking at all. Niche soundbites, double bass pedals and an array of pedal boards may help to make a hardcore band fit into the new age scene, but it seems that 1034 never cared for a place amongst contending bands, or much of anything for that matter. And that's exactly what makes them refreshing to listen to. 

Growing up in the culture of South Bay’s skate and punk scene, it comes as no surprise that the band's been thrown in the mix of backyard shows, and the salty reality of hardcore punk. Front-man Dominic Zapico shows this with his cut throat, grainy vocals. Bassist Roman Grimaldi, and drummer Nick Stamolis never fail to lay out a violent barrage of beats, all while guitarist Ian Johnson puts the cherry on top with some killer old school riffs. A powerhouse of a band to say the least. 

With a short discography that's most recent release was April of 2019, it's not likely that we will see any more live sets from the band, or any new releases. Seemingly, the band has fallen off the face of the earth. While it may seem strange to have a sense of nostalgia for a band created by teenagers within the last decade, that homesick feeling only makes tracks like “Human Disgust” and “Backstabber” that much more meaningful. The band still holds a prevalent space in the minds of scenesters in the Beach Cities, showing just how deep a cut from an unforgiving and unapologetic band can scar. For now, all one can do is listen in obsession to the 25 songs released by the band, and hope for some revival in the future. I don't know man, wish upon a shooting star or some bullshit. 

Photo by Michael Hixon of Daily Breeze