2 years after its S/T EP, Bay Area post-hardcore band DROUGHT carves out a bold new space in the genre with two gripping singles from their debut album ‘Souvenir’ — a raw exploration of identity, trauma, and transformation — out July 18 via Iodine Recordings (Drowningman, Horsewhip, Modern Life Is War, Onelinedrawing, The Casket Lottery…).
Rooted in themes of diaspora, generational trauma, and emotional rebirth, DROUGHT’s latest tracks — “We’re the Flora” and “Knife” — showcase a band unafraid to merge vulnerability with sonic intensity. With members of Indian and Japanese heritage, DROUGHT channel personal histories and cultural dislocation into songs that burn with purpose and precision.
Blending the emotional depth of Pianos Become the Teeth with the urgency of Fiddlehead and Title Fight and the raw introspection of mewithoutYou, DROUGHT channels deeply personal experiences into their sound. Formed in 2022 and composed of musicians with Indian and Japanese roots, the band draws from diasporic identity and generational trauma to create something both cathartic and immediate.
“We’re the Flora”, featuring guest vocals from Pat Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead…), explores themes of family and fractured heritage. “It was inspired by a bouquet art exhibit,” says vocalist Viggy Ram, “where cut flowers were reshaped into something beautiful. It reminded me of how trauma can sever us from our roots — but also give us the chance to become something new.” Flynn’s contribution brings an added layer of generational empathy and hardcore lineage.
Follow-up single “Knife” strikes harder and darker — a fierce meditation on emotional repression and identity loss. Recorded to tape with Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Gouge Away), both tracks reveal a band unafraid to dig deep and cut close.
Souvenir arrives July 18. Both singles are streaming below, with vinyl and digital pre-orders available on Bandcamp.
…Tracklist…
- 01 Introduction
- 02 An Invitation
- 03 Abattoir
- 04 We’re the Flora
- 05 Proof Of Life
- 06 Compass/Needle
- 07 Saint
- 08 In the Glass Room
- 09 One of Me
- 10 Two of Me
- 11 Old Seed/New Grain
- 12 Wayfinding
